Description
In Sonata No. 6, the middle work of the three in Op. 10, wit and lightness come before seriousness, and this movement opens it. The sonata has three movements and no slow movement, and it keeps something of Haydn's urbanity while planting surprises in true Beethoven fashion.
It is in sonata form, in F major and 2/4 time. Bouncing rhythms and a humorous exchange of themes give it a conversational atmosphere. A highlight is the recapitulation, which begins not in the home key but in D major before finding its way back. It lasts just over four minutes with 2,552 notes, and its range from F1 to F6 stays within five octaves.
At intermediate level, handle the grace notes and short rests precisely and keep the rhythm springy. Over more than four minutes, it demands the stamina to keep that lightness and humour from flagging. Listening to the passage around the recapitulation's key change with the A-B loop shows how the surprise works, and at a reduced playback speed the hand colours make it easier to follow short figures passed between the hands.
Piano sonatas representative of the Classical and Romantic eras, including Beethoven's early works — substantial multi-movement pieces throughout.
Browse all songs in Piano Sonatas →Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Born in Bonn and active in Vienna, Ludwig van Beethoven is among the towering figures in music history, bridging the Classical and Romantic eras. Despite losing his hearing in later life, he continued composing, pursuing innovative forms and intense emotional expression in his symphonies and piano sonatas. His beloved piano piece "Fur Elise" and his 32 piano sonatas remain widely performed. This site includes "Für Elise," the two sonatas of Op. 49, movements from his early piano sonatas, and sets of variations.
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