Ludwig van Beethoven · Classification
1770–1827
1798 · Piano Sonata · Vienna
Tonality
Do minor. The Central Cantabile Adagio is in the major bemol.
Instruments
- Piano
From the atril
The «Pathetic», published in 1799, was one of Beethoven's first great hits in Vienna and one of his most popular sonatas ever since. The title, «Big sonate pathétique»He was chosen by Beethoven himself or his editor, and he well describes his character: passionate, dramatic, almost theatrical. The young pianist of the time were fighting it.
Start with a slow introduction, «Grave», of dense chords in the minor and silences loaded with tension, which reappear within the tempest allego that follows it, something very original for the time. The central cantabile adagio has one of the most beautiful melodies of Beethoven, sung in the middle record of the piano with a comforting serenity. He rang the end again the minor do with a nervous energy. For the pianist, it is a fundamental work: it requires control of the sound in the grave, agility in the proximar and a very legit song in the adagio.
What to hear
- The introduction «Grave» and his return to the family.
- The melody of the cantabile adage.
- He rang the end in a minor.
