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Pathétique Sonata, Op. 13, II. Adagio cantabile

Ludwig van Beethoven · Level 6, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A sonata announced in a Vienna newspaper. Pathétique Sonata, Op. 13, II. Adagio cantabile is a sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. PlayPiano puts it at Level 6, an estimate.

On this page
  • sonata
  • gentle
  • melancholic
  • voicing

Also known as Beethoven, Op. 13 movement II, Adagio cantabile; Pathétique Sonata, Op. 13: II. Adagio cantabile; Piano Sonata No. 8; Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique” (2nd Movement: Adagio cantabile).

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 singing line over gentle motion

    The tune begins with longer notes while an inner part moves in sixteenths. Keep the melody prominent and the moving notes gentle, so the phrase sounds sung rather than mechanically counted.

  2. Let the phrase settle

    A dotted figure and a small flourish lead toward the end of the opening phrase. Shape the short notes toward their destination instead of making each one an accent.

  3. The same tune in a higher register

    The opening melody returns higher up. Keep its familiar shape and singing tone while the accompaniment continues underneath; a register change need not make the music louder.

  4. A more insistent accompaniment

    The accompaniment changes to repeated triplet chords beneath a short upper gesture. Keep the three-note groups even and quiet enough for the upper line to remain clear.

  5. Recognise the returning melody

    After the contrasting texture, the opening melodic shape reappears. Let the listener recognise its character without losing the steady motion underneath.

How to practise it

Bring out the slow melody above quieter inner motion.

  1. Sing the upper phrase before playing it over support.
  2. Practise the inner sixteenths softly against the lower quarters.
  3. Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.

How hard is it

Level 6, estimated

The lyrical slow movement calls for sustained phrase shaping and a clear melody/accompaniment hierarchy over a longer span.

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

Bring out the slow melody above quieter inner motion.

Practise it in PlayPiano