Beethoven Pathetique Piano Sonata Flashcards
What is a sonata?
A work for solo instruments that contain three or four movements (each with a different tempo and mood).
What is sonata form?
A structure used for the first movement of all sonatas.
Describe the tonality for sonata form?
Starts and end in the tonic key, explores other keys inbetween.
How does Beethoven modify sonata form?
Includes an introduction marked Grave, which is used at several points in the movement.
What are the three sections of sonata form?
Exposition, Development and Recapitulation.
What happens during the exposition?
Usually repeated twice, 1st subject in tonic, 2nd subject in another key.
What happens during the development?
Develops the 1st and 2nd subject. - Variations.
What happens during the recapitulation?
The 1st and 2nd subject in tonic key.
How does Beethoven structure his sonata?
Introduction - Grave - very slow and solemn, long
Exposition (x2) - 1st subject in C minor, 2nd subject in unrelated key (Eb minor then Eb major.
Development - From Grave Introduction, 1st and 2nd subject developed.
Recapitulation - 1st and 2nd Subject in tonic key, introduction, 1st subject.
What is the tempo of the exposition?
Allegro molto e con brio (very fast and with vigour)
What is the time signature of the introduction?
4/4, common time (C).
What is the time signature of the other sections?
2/2, cut common time.
Describe the coda of the piece.
4 bars of grave introduction idea then back to allegro molto and 1st subject to end in C minor.
In which three ways does Beethoven modify sonata form?
Adds a contrasting introduction marked grave.
Uses the grave idea from the into later in the peice.
Modulates to unrelated keys eg. Eb minor.
What is the meaning of Pathetique?
Emotional.
