Beethoven piano sonata in C minor 'Pathetique' summary

Question 1

Tempo

Answer 1

Grave
Allegro

Question 2

Metre

Answer 2

4/4 introduction
2/2 exposition

Question 3

Overall tonality

Answer 3

C minor

Question 4

Structure

Answer 4

Sonata form
+ introduction and coda

Question 5

Instrumentation

Answer 5

Solo piano
Virtuosic - uses wide range of piano

Question 6

Harmony

Answer 6

More chromatic harmony
Diminished 7th chords
Use of tonic pedal accompanying 1st subject

Question 7

Texture

Answer 7

Largely homophonic/ melody and accompaniment
Some monophonic writing in the end the introduction and development

Question 8

Rhythmic features

Answer 8

Introduction: dotted rhythms
Exposition:
Driving crotchets and quavers

Question 9

Melodic features

Answer 9

1st and 2nd subjects become a feature
Introduction material heard numerous times

Question 10

Style/period

Answer 10

Early romantic period
Designed to convey emotion

Question 11

Introduction tonality

Answer 11

C minor, brief passage in Eb major (relative major)

Question 12

Exposition 1st subject tonality

Answer 12

C minor

Question 13

Exposition 2nd subject tonality

Answer 13

Eb minor

Question 14

Development tonality

Answer 14

G minor, move to E minor