A piano sonata is a sonata of course written for a solo piano.
Piano sonatas are usually written in three or four movements, although some piano sonatas have been written with a single movement (Scarlatti) two movements (Haydn), five (Brahms’ Third Piano Sonata) or even more movements. The first movement is generally in sonata form. This Pathetique song was Beethoven’s eighth Piano Sonata written in 1797 and was published in 1799. This sonata was written during his early period.
Beethoven studied with Haydn during his early period and under Haydns’ assistance he studied with him for two years after arriving in Vienna in 1792. This period of composition extends from approx. 1794-1800, with the “Spring” Sonata for violin and piano, Op. 24, the First Symphony, and the D major Piano Sonata, op.
28 as the major terminal works. The piano, either in solo capacity or in a chamber ensemble, is the dominant instrument. This song is technically considered to be in the “classical” era, but has a few romantic elements.As can be shown with the dynamics, through out this movement/piece Beethoven is using a wide range of dynamics and as we all know, Beethoven is well known for making the first “baby” steps towards romanticism shown through his adventures in harmony, structural complexity and rhythm.
This piece was dedicated to his friend Prince Karl von Linchonowsky. Beethoven had great respect for Mozart, Believed that Beethoven was inspired by Mozart’s K. 475 piano sonata, since both compositions are in C minor and have three very similar movements.This 8th sonata fits the classical form of Sonata with a few twists thrown in, mainly introduction material and its re-occurrences before development and coda.
This Sonata was the first sonata to have an introduction section, however other parts are already stretching the definition of a “strict” sonata form. The first movement is in standard first movement sonata form it also contains two major themes. Furthermore, this was the first piece in which Beethoven incorporated an introductory theme.The introduction is as written “Grave” meaning very slow and solemn; many scholars have debated the inspiration behind the use of such a melancholy introduction, and most concur that it was prompted by the onset of Beethoven’s hearing loss.
The tempo quickly changed into “Allegro di molto e con brio” Beethoven is asking to be played in a style of fast, with brilliance; in other words lively and energetic. The long introduction of the “Grave” section delays the primary theme until the exposition at the start of the allegro section.This main section is in 2/2 time in the key of C minor, modulating like most minor-key sonatas of this period to the relative major, E flat this is shown in the modulating bridge bar 27-30. The duration only changes when the introduction phrase pops up here and there through out the music: 1.
Introduction 2. Before development starts 3. Coda The dramatic dynamic changes express Beethoven’s inner anguish as he battled hearing loss, while trying to compose music at such a high level. Dynamic changes also build towards the main Allegro theme.
Beethoven also used a wide range of dynamics as shown in the introduction the sforzando that pops up here and there; and the use of fortissimo to piano. If we compare Beethoven’s work with Mozart, the dynamic ranges will be different. Mozart only uses forte and piano (not too loud and not too soft) and Mozart will never include a subito in his pieces, however Beethoven does use these techniques in his pieces. Here are some examples of Beethoven’s dramatic dynamic change: 1.
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