Classical, Narratological, And Queer Analyses of Sonata Form

Several renowned scholars of sonata form have assumed a dialectical framework for analysis, manifested primarily in analytical narratives driven by hierarchy and thematic conflict. While both theoretical and narratological methodologies have yielded much insightful analysis, working within just those fields can only push analyses so far. I propose that opening analytical approaches to the field of queer musicology would further our narratological insight of sonata form, demonstrating that many other stories can be told that do not hinge on conflict or hierarchy. I will show how this works in Nikolai Medtner’s Sonata-Skazka, op. 25 no.1 (1910-1911) for solo piano