Edward MacDowell - Piano Sonata nº3 ’Norse’

Uploading this from a train lmao All four of MacDowell’s piano sonatas are to some extent programmatic, and the third, dedicated to Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, is appropriately subtitled “Norse,“ taking inspiration from old Norse legends. MacDowell established the setting with some original verse published with the score: Night had fallen on a day of deeds The great rafters in the red-ribbed hall Flashed crimson in the fitful flame Of smoldering logs; And from the stealthy shadows That crept ’round Harald’s throne Rang out a Skald’s strong voice With tales of battles won: Of Gudrun’s love And Sigurd, Siegmund’s son. Despite appearances, this is not Wagner’s Ring cycle in piano reduction, but a sense of high drama and a theatrical flair can be found throughout the work. The first movement (“Mesto, ma con passione“) begins lurking at the bottom of the keyboard, a primary theme striving upward. The melody becomes