Piano Sonata Op.13 No.8 In C Minor ‘Pathétique’ Movement I Flashcards
When was it written and from what period?
Written in 1798 and published in 1799
Classical period
How was this piece different from Mozart and Haydn?
Extreme dynamics and pitch
Virtuosity
Classic romantic
Balanced phrasing used by Mozart and Haydn
What is the sonata form of this piece?
Slow introduction
Exposition (1st and 2nd subject)
Second an/ subsidiary theme
Codera
Development section (intro, subject 1)
Recapitulation
New theme
Coda (intro and subject 1)
When was he born and how was he taught piano?
Born in Germany, 1770
Born into a musical family but was taught music by Joseph Haydn
What were the differences in classical period and baroque?
- become less complex and clearer texture
1750 - 1820 overlaps with romantic period (1825-1900)
What are the classical romantic features of this piece?
- balanced phrases
- mainly homophonic textures
- variety and contrast
- wide range of dynamics
- harpsichord replaced piano
- sonata form
What is the texture of the piece?
Introduction is homophonic with heavy, low chords
Descending broken chords in 1st subject
Antiphonal with crossed hands in bars 51 - 80 and Alberti bass
Melody - dominated homophony from the exposition
What is the rhythm like of this piece?
Dotted rhythms and short rhythms
Exposition includes syncopation
Persistent quavers throughout allegro section
What is the instrumentation like?
5 and a half octaves (nearly full range of piano)
Contrary motion and a murky bass
What is the metre and tempo?
4/4 but exposition changes to 2/2
Introduction is grave (slow)
First subject is allegro
What is the tonality of the piece.
Introduction is C minor (tonic)
First subject has a pedal alternating octave bass line
Tonality transitions through A flat and B flat and second subject is in E flat minor
Introduction repeated in g minor
Subject 1 repeated in E minor
Subject 1 repeated in C minor
Why were there such extreme dynamics?
Invention of the piano made greater dynamic range possible
