Florence Price’s Award-Winning Sonata

Florence Price’s Piano Sonata in E Minor won the Wanamaker composition prize in 1932, and Price was the first African American woman to win this prestigious award! The word “Afro Romantic” was created to describe her compositional style, which was a combination of African American and Romantic styles.

What is a Sonata?

A sonata is a work that usually consists of two to four separate movements (pieces), each with its own unique character. Sonatinas have the same structure as sonatas but are typically not as lengthy or difficult. 

Individual movements in a sonata can be written in sonata form. This form, which contains three distinct sections, has been used by composers since the time of Mozart and Beethoven. Florence Price used sonata form in the first movement of Piano Sonata in E Minor. The three sections are: 

Exposition:

The main themes (melodies) are introduced. You may also hear a slow introduction, transitions, and closing themes.

Development:

This middle section “develops” the themes from the exposition. The composer may write the themes in new keys and articulations, even writing them upside down or backwards!

Recapitulation:

This is the final section. The main themes are brought back in their original form and key. Closing themes and a coda, which brings the piece to an end, can also be included.