The war

for piano and oboe

This piece is built on the interplay between two contrasting tonalities, which shape its harmonic framework and establish a dynamic sense of tension and equilibrium. In the first movement, the combination of E major and F minor, along with the use of a Neapolitan chord in E major and a diminished seventh in F minor, creates a complex harmonic texture and intensifies the contrast between the tonalities. Each melody is constructed to reinforce its own tonality, adding layers of tension as the piece progresses.

Harmonic structure of the first few bars of the first movement. (click to open image)

The red notes indicate the F minor tonality, the black notes represent E major, and the blue notes are used enharmonically for easier readability.

The upper and lower lines represent the range of notes in the two main melodies, regardless of rhythm and other details.

Opening bars of the first movement. (Click t open image)
Structure of the two main melodies in the opening bars of the first movement. (Click to open image)

In the second movement, the tonal structure shifts to E minor and F major, continuing the exploration of tonal contrast but with a new chordal arrangement and structure.

Opening bars of the second movement. (Click t open image)

The harmonic structure of the second movement is as follows (though used in a different arrangement in the piece): red notes indicate the F major tonality, black notes represent E minor, and pink notes are used enharmonically.

Harmonic structure of the second movement. (click to open image)
First few bars of the first movement, with a reference to the rhythmic figure from the second movement. (Blue notes)

This movement builds on a rhythmic motif from the first movement, while incorporating fresh melodic material to create continuity and expand the musical narrative.


In the third movement, the piano and oboe independently pursue their respective tonalities: the piano establishes E minor through simple chord structures, while the oboe, through melodic lines, asserts F major.