Piano Sonata Op.13 No.8 in C minor 'Pathetique'

Question 1

Context for Pathetique

Answer 1

-Written by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1799
-Written during Classical Period (1750-1820)
-It is a piano sonata, meaning a work in several movements with the first (Pathetique) in sonata form
-Written for new pianoforte instrument which could play both loud and soft dynamics
-It foreshadowed the style of 1800s Romantic period

Question 2

Key features of Pathetique (DR SMITH)

Answer 2

-D: extreme dynamics (sf, fp, ff, sfp) for pianoforte
-S: sonata form with exposition (1st subject), development and recapitulation (has intro, transition, codetta)
-T: homophonic then melody and accompaniment
-H: C minor then moves to Eb major, chromatic chords