Description
The slow movement of the Sonata facile, K. 545. It moves from the C major of the first movement into the dominant, G major, and a singing melody flows above a triple metre. Where the outer movements are written out of scales and broken chords, what Mozart asks for here is song.
In G major and triple time, the left hand keeps an unbroken broken-chord accompaniment while the right sings an ornamented melody over it. The middle darkens into the minor and the harmony thickens before the calm opening returns. At over three minutes it is the longest movement of the sonata.
The task is to let the right hand sing freely above a left hand that never stops. If the left wavers the song collapses; if the right hand follows it too closely the melody turns mechanical. Practise the left alone until it runs without attention, then spend the time on the right hand's ornaments and phrase endings. Keep the pedal within the limit of clarity.
Piano sonatas representative of the Classical and Romantic eras, including Beethoven's early works — substantial multi-movement pieces throughout.
Browse all songs in Piano Sonatas →Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
What this piece teaches
The second movement, Andante in G major. The right hand sings a long melody over a constantly moving left hand - how a Classical slow movement sings.
How to practise it
- Play the left hand alone and check it flows at an even speed and level.
- Treat the right hand as an aria sung on the piano, aware of where each phrase peaks and ends.
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 →