Description
The finale of Op. 49 No. 1, marked Rondo: Allegro. It closes one of the two "easy sonatas" Beethoven wrote for teaching, turning away from the settled Andante of the first movement into a springing 6/8 that runs to the end. It shows a side of him content to carry a piece on charm alone, with nothing to prove technically.
In 6/8 and rondo form, an easily remembered theme returns unchanged with episodes in other keys set between its appearances. The music leans briefly towards the minor at one point but never turns grave, and the bright gait resumes at once. At close to four minutes it is a large piece by beginner standards.
With over two thousand notes it is the most substantial movement in this pair. No single figure is hard, but sustaining the lift of the 6/8 for four minutes takes stamina. Rather than playing it fast, vary the character each time the theme returns and drop a level in the episodes — the length stops being a problem once the piece has that shape.
Piano sonatas representative of the Classical and Romantic eras, including Beethoven's early works — substantial multi-movement pieces throughout.
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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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