SKU: A0.912497

Toccata In B Flat Minor, by Thomas R. Schadl, explores rhythmic energy and lyricism. The exposition (bars 1-18) consists of the static rhythm, where the the first beat is accented. The melodic part of the exposition is lyrical and has syncopation that provide contrast to the driving rhythm. The transition exists from bar 19 to 56, but unlike the traditional sonata form where the transition moves on to the second theme in the exposition, the main theme re-appears briefly from bar 57 to 64 and then it moves on to the second theme (bars 65-100). Sonata form includes the development section that involves the  working of a theme or themes that were stated in the exposition, but this work does not have a development part; so in its place is the transition that spans from bar 101 to 114, leading to the recapitulation (restatement of the first theme in the exposition). Following the restatement, the second theme comes in at bars 133 to 140 and is restated at bars 157 to 176; transition is inserted at bars 141 to 156. As the piece progresses toward the end, the fragmented portion of the second theme repeats with diminishing sound intensity, followed by a brief transition stated in the first few bars after measure 19. The piece ends with a loud B Flat, after a one bar rest. Anyone planning to analyse this composition will come to realize that since the development section does not exist, one may conclude that the work is composed in a modified sonata form. Toccata In B Flat Minor requires steady rhythmic sense, quick left-hand jump between bass notes to eighth-note passages in the second theme, and a good sense of rhythm when executing four eighth notes against triplets. Slow practice speed is advised in order to master the technical challenges. The piece is suitable for education and concert purposes, and may be performed in silent movies or stage shows.