Description
After the minor-key third variation, A major returns here. With the key restored, the set begins to climb back toward the brightness of its finish. Positionally this variation is a relay: it brings the music back to the light after the shadow, without yet raising the speed.
In A major and 6/8, the right hand moves continuously while the left is reduced to a thin support. The gap between the two hands' note counts is the widest in the set, and nearly everything the listener hears comes from the right. Figuration built on broken chords spreads up into the high register, with the melody embedded inside the chords rather than sitting on top of them.
An intermediate variation. Smoothing the right-hand figuration mechanically sinks the melody into mere pattern. Check the score for which notes of each broken chord belong to the theme, and bring only those slightly forward. The left hand, with far fewer notes, is there to mark the beat — and to keep the right hand from running away.
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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