Pathétique, Piano Sonata No.8 In C Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Question 1

Describe three ways in which Beethoven achieves a sense of excitement and drama in this piano sonata movement.

Answer 1

A)

Question 2

S1) Find 2 examples of different musical textures in the movement - monophonic and homophonic. Write a bar number followed by a single word to describe the texture.

Answer 2

S1)

Question 3

S2) What is unusual about the key of the second subject? Why do you think Beethoven chose this key?

Answer 3

S2)

Question 4

S3) Describe the opening ten-bar introduction highlighting three features of the music.

Answer 4

S3)

Question 5

S4) There are many examples of the dramatic diminished seventh chord in this piece, such as on the third crotchet beat in bar 1. Explain the makeup of the chord - that is, how many notes it has, the size of intervals between notes, and how it resolves onto the following chord.

Answer 5

S4)

Question 6

C1) Explain how this piece demonstrates some of the key features of the Romantic style.

Answer 6

C1)

Question 7

C2) The piano underwent changes to its structure, range etc. during the Romantic period. Why was this necessary?

Answer 7

C2)