Description
This is the only variation in the set that changes key. It turns to the parallel minor, A minor, and the brightness of everything before it drops away at a stroke. Placing a single minor variation after a run of major ones was standard practice at the time, and it works here as the turning point that makes the six variations a narrative rather than a list of decorations.
In A minor and 6/8, the right hand is given runs that mix scales and broken chords, reaching the highest register in the whole set, while the left hand supports in chords. The harmonic tread is still the theme's own — and what makes this variation interesting is that nothing more than hearing the same progression in the minor is enough to change its expression.
An intermediate variation, its challenge is not losing the melodic outline inside the fast figuration. Rather than playing the runs as one continuous pattern, decide which notes are the harmonic pillars and which are passing before you play: the minor-key shading then emerges as colour rather than as volume.
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.
View all works by Mozart →