Vytautas Smetona - Piano Sonata in F Minor

Information

1. Piano Sonata in F Minor: I. Andante - Allegro
2. Piano Sonata in F Minor: II. Andante con Moto
3. Piano Sonata in F Minor: III. Allegro
4. Piano Sonata in F Minor: IV. Moderato

Vytautas Smetona, piano & composition

Date: 2026

Label: Navona

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Written over a five-year period, Piano Sonata in F Minor showcases pianist-composer Vytautas Smetona’s dedication to craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from the rich harmonic language and structural traditions of Johannes Brahms. The four-movement work is unified by a recurring four-note motif and features intricate counterpoint, lyrical themes, and carefully developed musical ideas. From its dramatic sonata-allegro opening through an introspective slow movement and a rhythmically engaging scherzo, the sonata culminates in a passacaglia and fugue that demonstrate both technical mastery and expressive depth. Rooted in Romantic tradition, the work reflects Smetona’s personal artistic vision and meticulous compositional approach.

Born in Cleveland, Vytautas Smetona is an American pianist, composer, and descendant of Antanas Smetona, whose family fled Lithuania during the Soviet occupation and settled in the United States in 1941. Trained by his mother and brother, he launched an acclaimed international performing career with notable debuts in New York and London and appearances with major American orchestras. After a successful early recording career, Smetona stepped away from music in 1983 to pursue mathematics, operations research, and actuarial science. Returning to the stage decades later, he earned widespread critical praise for his recordings, performances, and original compositions, including Piano Sonata in F Minor.

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