Sonata K.331 - III. Rondo alla Turca (Turkish March)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1783)
Description
The finale of Piano Sonata No. 11, K. 331, known on its own as the Turkish March. In late eighteenth-century Vienna the music of the Ottoman janissary bands was in fashion, and composers competed to imitate its percussive sound. This is the best-known example.
In duple time, it is a rondo alternating a brisk theme in A minor with a brilliant one in A major; in the major sections the left hand hammers repeated chords that suggest cymbals and bass drum. Some pianos of the day were even fitted with a "Turkish pedal" that sounded actual bells and drum.
It is rated intermediate, but the hard part is staying light. Pushing the famous tune for speed makes the sound heavy and the march loses its spring. Keep the fingers moving in small motions close to the keys, and do not strike the repeated chords with arm weight. Ornaments should pass through the melodic line rather than being crammed in before the beat.
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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