Description
The sixth and final variation closes the set. The meter changes here for the first time, replacing the 6/8 siciliano rhythm that has run since the theme with common time. The leap from the Adagio of Variation 5 to this Allegro is what gives the movement its ending.
In A major and 4/4, fine note values are shared between the hands, and the shortest note in this variation is the shortest anywhere in the set. The theme's harmony holds to the end, but bars with no counterpart in the theme are added near the close, so the movement finishes having stepped slightly outside the variation frame.
An intermediate variation. It is short enough to carry off on sheer speed, but what separates a good performance is whether the change of meter means something. From the lilt of 6/8 to the even tread of four beats: if the listener can hear that the same theme is now sounding over a different rhythm, this stops being merely a brilliant finish.
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 →