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Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata in A major, D.959, is a remarkable composition that showcases the composer's genius. Here are some interesting facts about this piece:

1. Composition Date: Schubert composed the Piano Sonata in A major, D.959, in the last year of his life, in 1828. This was a prolific year for Schubert, during which he also composed several other masterpieces, including his final three piano sonatas.

2. Lengthy Composition: The A major Sonata is the longest of Schubert's three final piano sonatas, with a typical performance lasting around 40 to 50 minutes. Its length and complexity demonstrate Schubert's mature compositional style.

3. Four Movements: Like many classical sonatas, the A major Sonata consists of four movements:

   • I. Allegro (in A major)
   • II. Andantino (in F-sharp minor)
   • III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace (in A major)
   • IV. Rondo: Allegretto (in A major)

4. Innovative Structure: Schubert's A major Sonata is known for its innovative structure. In the first movement, he introduces the second theme at the beginning rather than the traditional exposition-recapitulation structure. This unconventional approach creates a unique sense of unity and coherence in the piece.

5. Emotional Depth: The Andantino (second movement) is particularly notable for its deep emotional content. It is a hauntingly beautiful and melancholic movement, reflecting Schubert's introspective and introspective mood during his final days. This movement is often considered one of the most sublime in the piano repertoire.

6. Dedication: Schubert dedicated this sonata to his friend and patron, the Austrian Countess Karoline Esterházy. The dedication reflects the close relationship between Schubert and the Esterházy family, who supported him financially and artistically.

7. Posthumous Premiere: Unfortunately, Schubert did not live to see the premiere of this sonata. It was first publicly performed in Vienna in November 1839, more than a decade after Schubert's death. His brother, Ferdinand Schubert, played the piano part, bringing this masterpiece to the public's attention.

8. Legacy: Schubert's A major Sonata, along with his other final two piano sonatas (D.958 and D.960), is considered a pinnacle of his piano music. These sonatas are often grouped together and referred to as the "Schubert Sonatas" or the "Three Last Sonatas." They have been praised for their depth of expression and technical demands, making them staples of the classical piano repertoire.

9. Influence: Schubert's late piano sonatas, including the A major Sonata, had a profound influence on later composers, such as Franz Liszt, Johannes Brahms, and Sergei Rachmaninoff, who admired Schubert's ability to convey profound emotions through his music.

10. Artistic Achievement: The A major Sonata is considered one of Schubert's greatest artistic achievements, showcasing his ability to blend classical form with Romantic sensibilities. Its emotional depth, innovative structure, and technical demands make it a captivating and enduring work in the piano repertoire.

Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata in A major, D.959, is a testament to his creative genius and remains a beloved and influential work in the world of classical music.