Description
In the second variation the roles change hands. The fine figuration the right hand carried in Variation 1 moves to the left, and the right takes over chords and ornaments. The procedure is standard for a variation set, but Mozart gives the left hand more than accompaniment here, and the centre of gravity of the melody drops a register.
In A major and 6/8, the left hand plays more notes than the right, its runs ranging widely through the lower register. The right hand is dotted with ornaments, entering a fraction after the beat in a way that keeps calling the theme back to mind. The skeleton of the theme is untouched; it is only the way it reaches the ear that has been turned inside out.
This is an intermediate variation, and for most players producing even figuration in the left hand is harder than in the right. Establish first, with the left hand alone, a speed at which neither the volume nor the tempo wavers. Then lay the right hand on lightly, so the left-hand runs come forward instead of being buried under the accompaniment.
Mozart's most famous piano sonata, consisting of a theme-and-variations first movement, a minuet, and the celebrated "Turkish March."
Browse all songs in Piano Sonata No.11 K.331 →Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, and achieved fame as a child prodigy before establishing his career in Vienna. In a life of only 35 years, he produced masterpieces across symphonies, operas, chamber music, and keyboard works. His style combines clarity and formal balance with rich emotional depth. This site includes movements of the Sonatas K. 545 and K. 331, the Fantasia in D minor, K. 397, and several fugues.
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