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Pathétique Sonata, Op. 13, III. Rondo

Ludwig van Beethoven · Level 8, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A sonata announced in a Vienna newspaper. Pathétique Sonata, Op. 13, III. Rondo is a sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

On this page
  • sonata
  • dancing
  • melancholic
  • ornaments

Also known as Pathétique Sonata, Op. 13: III. Rondo; Piano Sonata No. 8; Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique” (3rd Movement: Rondo).

History

Beethoven-Haus places the parent C-minor sonata between 1797 and 1799 and names Prince Karl von Lichnowsky as its dedicatee. Hoffmeister published it in Vienna in 1799. A first-edition study records an announcement in the Wiener Zeitung on 18 December that year, giving a dated glimpse of the work reaching its public.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. A light pickup into the theme

    Three detached eighth notes lead into a longer, connected melody. Keep the pickup light, then let the longer notes carry the phrase without losing the pulse.

  2. Decorations inside the line

    Small grace notes lead into a rising gesture and repeated G notes. Hear the decorations as part of the phrase, not extra main beats that interrupt it.

  3. A descending answer

    A sustained B-flat gives way to a descending line, then a stronger closing gesture with a trill. Shape the descent as a connected answer and make the change in emphasis clear.

  4. The rhythm becomes more active

    Held B-flat notes are followed by triplet figures, then a faster descending finish. Keep the subdivisions distinct so the change in rhythmic activity stays clear.

  5. The familiar theme returns

    A fermata and a rest make space before the opening pickup returns. Recognise the original melody and restore its light character rather than carrying the previous tension into every note.

How to practise it

Carry the detached upbeat into a smoother melody.

  1. Practise the pickup into the first dotted-quarter arrival.
  2. Practise one lower group softly, then add the upper long-short rhythm.
  3. Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

The advanced target values a coherent full rondo with differentiated returns, controlled articulation and reliable movement between contrasting episodes.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Ludwig van Beethoven, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
Sonata journeys
Licence
Public Domain
Source
mutopiaproject.org

More by Ludwig van Beethoven

  1. Minuet in E-flat major, WoO 82Level 4, estimatedWith Maestro
  2. Für Elise (Bagatelle in A minor), WoO 59Level 5, estimatedOpen to everyone
  3. Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57, III. Allegro, PrestoLevel 10, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Carry the detached upbeat into a smoother melody.

Practise it in PlayPiano