Pentasonata is written in one continuous movement. Both parts of the title penta and sonata, have equal significance: the prefix penta relates to the number of sections (5), to the pentatonic scale on which the whole work is based, and to the metre of 5 (except the middle section where no metre is indicated).
I made use of the title sonata, because there is some relation to the classical model. Although Pentasonata is in one movement, the 5 sections are arranged palindromically - like a pentaptych: 1st subject -allegretto scherzoso, molto ritmico; 2nd subject - andantino amorosa, molto cantabile; development : contemplivo, molto rubato; followed by a recapitulation, but in reverse order (andantino then allegretto).
Regarding musical material, pentatonic melodic lines appear in different keys: i – in C, ii in A, iii – in Fa sharp. iv – in E flat, and v – in C again, and they are always blended, with the 3-note cell E,F,B with its perpetual reflections and transpositions.
As in all my works, in Pentasonata I was seeking to achieve a balance between heart and mind, intellect and emotion.
Andrzej Panufnik
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