Description
This is the slow movement of Sonata No. 25, written in 1809. Set between two fast movements, it offers a moment of repose. The whole sonata is small in scale and approachable, and this movement in particular is rated beginner, making it an easy choice as a first encounter with Beethoven's sonatas.
It is an Andante in G minor and 9/8 time. A simple, quietly sung melody floats over a gently rocking accompaniment reminiscent of a barcarolle. The metre is felt as three broad beats to the bar, and that sway gives the movement its calm, unhurried breathing. It lasts about two minutes with a modest 800 notes, and its range from C2 to E-flat 6 fits on a 61-key keyboard.
With few technical hurdles, it lets you concentrate on expression. The task is to make the melody sing while keeping the rocking accompaniment steady. If the accompaniment grows heavy, the softness of the barcarolle is lost, so keep the left hand light. Get the flow of the beat at a reduced playback speed, then repeat a single phrase of the melody with the A-B loop and work carefully on how each phrase comes to rest.
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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