Eric Craven: Piano Sonata No. 7 (EDN80034)

Introduction and Guide to Performance

This sonata has, as its overall structure, an arch form.

Movement V is a continuation of Movement I in terms of compositional and performance techniques.

Both movements are written using Low Order Non-Prescriptive techniques, which offer pitch, rhythm and the duration of the notes.

The performer determines the tempi, dynamics, phrasing, pedalling and articulation of the notes.

Movements II and IV are in High Order Non-Prescriptive form and are realised from the same data.The one parameter offered to the performer is that of pitch, which may be played at octaves or multiples of octaves to that which is given.

In addition,

pitches may be played in any order;

pitches may be repeated or omitted;

pitches may be grouped vertically, i.e. for the construction of chords, ostinati or rhythmic articulation.

Performance may commence and conclude at any point in the score.The duration of each of these two movements is determined by the performer. 

An arrow is used as a notational device to suggest that the notes (or chords) may be repeated in a manner opted for by the performer. It also suggests an approximate duration.

Movement III is written in Low Order Non-Prescription format, inviting the performer to determine the nature of the omitted parameters: tempi, dynamics. phrasing, pedalling and articulation.

The delineations of bars is solely for convenience, to facilitate reading rhythm in manageable bar lengths.They have no function as metric accentuation.

Eric Craven 2012