It features the monumental opus posthumous A Major Sonata of Schubert (written two months before the composer’s death), and the epic Sixth Sonata of Prokofiev (the first of the composer’s so-called “War Sonatas” written during World War II). These are two “major” piano sonatas in the key of A major occupying important positions in the classical canon, but with diametrically opposed musical perspectives!

The Schubert Sonata shows the composer at the height of his creative powers (although only months prior to his death in 1828), demonstrating an incredible optimism that is only occasionally tinged with anger and regret. The Prokofiev Sonata was written in 1940 and is a distinctly militaristic work which largely foreshadows the hardships and difficulties that were yet to come for the Russian people in World War II.

Mark Clinton is a professor of piano at UNL.

Since entering the Preparatory Division of the Peabody Conservatory at age eight under the tutelage of Julian Martin, Mark Clinton has worked extensively with some of the world’s foremost pianists. This critically acclaimed pianist has been featured frequently on national radio and television broadcasts, including National Public Radio’s Performance Today and Monitor Radio. Critics have noted his “powerful performance [combined with] sublime lyricism” (Salisbury Daily Times), the “…drive and security of his pianism” (Baltimore Sun), and his “luminous, concentrated playing” (Washington Post). He has appeared throughout the United States as a soloist with numerous orchestras.

Free and open to the public

@ Live Webcast. Visit music.unl.edu for the direct link the night of the performance.