Sonata for Harp, Op. 52

Composed in 1956 and premiered by Nicanor Zabaleta, the Harp Sonata is widely considered the most important solo harp work of the 20th century outside the French tradition. Its three movements — Allegramente rustico, Liberamente capriccioso, and Ritmico e cavalleresco — draw on Argentine folk rhythms and modal harmonies, translated into a language of ferocious percussive attack and luminous lyricism. The finale's malambo rhythm drives the work to an explosive close.