Description
This is the finale of Sonata No. 24, written in 1809 and dedicated to Countess Therese von Brunsvik. In this small sonata of only two movements, its lively character balances the songful first movement.
It is an Allegro vivace in F-sharp major and 2/4 time. A light, bouncing rhythm continues throughout, with short motifs tossed quickly between the hands. Rather than technical flash, it conveys agility and charm. It lasts under three minutes with 1,812 notes, and its range from F-sharp 1 to A-sharp 6 climbs higher than the first movement.
Rated intermediate, it packs lively motion into under three minutes and needs a technique that keeps the rhythm springy. Like the first movement, it sits in a key full of black keys, so deciding early where each finger goes makes it steadier. Check how the motifs pass between the hands with the hand colours, mark off the quick exchanges with the A-B loop, and raise the playback speed gradually.
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.
View all works by Beethoven →