Expert: Donald - 2/1/2009

Question
http://erable-et-citron.net/identify.mp3
First I thought Schumann, then Poulenc but I can't find it.
Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi Jonathan,

Thank you for your question! You have great taste in music!!

This piece is a piano sonata by either Mozart, Haydn, or some other Classical period (1750-1825) composer. I ascertain this because of the regular phrase lengths (4 or 8 measures) and the relatively simple harmonic structure (I-V-I; etc...) Schumann is from the Romantic period (1825-1900), which had a greatly expanded harmonic vocabulary, and phrase lengths that could vary. Poulanc is from the Modern period (1900-1990), which is much more free in form, phrase length, and harmonic structure.

I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any other questions!

Best regards,

Donald