This paper will serve as a practical performance guide for students and young pianists who wish to explore this sonata, and will provide knowledge that will help them shape their own interpretation. Interpretations vary from pianist to pianist and this paper will not propose a unique interpretation of Barber’s Sonata Op. 26. Instead, I will analyze the piece step by step, so as to point out the harmonic and melodic material which should be followed in order to understand the structure of the music. With specific technical advice and aesthetic suggestions both from recordings and my own experience I will try to elucidate the very thick texture and give another perspective of the piece.

A brief sketch of the composer’s biography will serve to establish an understanding of the historical background of the piece. Also, a stylistic analysis of the piece will be made through a study of the score. The original recording is the one by Vladimir Horowitz, whose relationship with Barber could absolutely be the subject of a whole new research project.