Sonatas

Question 1

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op.2
Background & Context

Answer 1

• Composed in 1795
• Classical traditions with hints of romanticis,
• Written for forte piano (lighter sound)
• Dedicated to haydn
• One of his earlier sonatas
• Part of Op.2 sontas - showcasing virtuosic writing for piano
• More intense + virtuosic than Haydn
• More dramatic + less elegant than Mozart
• Foreshadows boldness + complexity to come from Beethoven

Question 2

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op.2
Structure & Form

Answer 2

Sonata
1. Exposition
- 1st subject in tonic (C) - lively + energetic
- 2nd subject in dominant (G) - lyrical + contrasting
2. Development
- explores + developes themes
- modulating through keys (Am)
3. Returns to original material
- 1st + 2nd subject both in tonic (C)
4. Coda
- concludes movement
- dramatic finality
- tonic (C)

Question 3

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op.2
Melody

Answer 3

1st Subject
- bold, rising arpeggios + scales, energetic
- repetitve motifs
2nd Subject
- lyrical, elegant, smooother, conjunct motion
- elegant grace notes
Development
- fragements themes, sequences, chromaticism

Question 4

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op.2
Harmony & Tonality

Answer 4

Keys
Exposition: Tonic (C) to Dominant (G)
Development: Modulates to remote keys e.g. Am, Dm, Em
Recapitulation: Tonic (C)

Harmonic Features:
Diminished 7ths in development for drama
Perfect Cadences (In C) to end of first subject
Interrupted Cadence ( In Am) adding tension to development
Chromaticism in development adds more tension

Question 5

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op.2
Texture

Answer 5

• Mostly homophonic - clear melody with accompaniment in exposition
• contrapuntal parts e.g. in development with imitation between hands
• chordal writing in coda
• thick + thin textures in 2nd subject

Question 6

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op.2
Rhythm & Metre

Answer 6

• 4/4
• continous quavers in 1st subject accompaniment
• syncopation in 2nd subject
• rhythmic motifs e.g. dotted rhythms in 1st subject
• Allegro Con Brio - lively energy

Question 7

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op.2
Dynamics & Articulation

Answer 7

Dynamics
- sudden contrasts e.g. f to p in opening bars
- crescendos + diminuendos e.g. recapitulation
- sfzs e.g. 1st subject heighten drama

Articulation
- staccato passages e.g. development
- legato in lyrical 2nd subject

Question 8

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op.2
Other Features

Answer 8

• virtuosity e.g. rapid scales in recapitulation, leaps between octaves in opening bars
• uses ful piano range e.g. deep bass in coda
• minimal pedaling

Question 9

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op.2
Comparisons

Answer 9

Classical Traits
- sonata form
- balanced phrasing e.g. opening bars
- functional harmony e.g. perfect cadences ending 1st subject

Romantic Traits
- bold dynamics e.g. sudden forte 1st subject
- chromantic harmony e.g. dim 7 in 2nd subject
- emotional intensity + dramatics e.g. development

Question 10

Mozart’s Piano & Violin Sonata K.379 G Major
Background & Context

Answer 10

• Composed 1781
• Written shortly after moving to Vienna
• Part of a set showing his ability to balance violin and piano

Question 11

Mozart’s Piano & Violin Sonata K.379 G Major
Structure & Form

Answer 11

Overall Structure: Three movements
1. Introduction - Adagio: A slow, expressive introduction in G major.
2. Modified Sonata Form - Allegro
3. Theme & Variations - Andantino cantabile

1. Introduction
   - Adagio
   - Lyrical + improvisatory aspects
   - Interplay between piano & violin
   Allegro (First Movement):