Sonata No. 17 (1st Movement: Largo - Allegro)

History

Beethoven-Haus places the parent D-minor sonata in summer 1802. The first-edition bibliography lists publication by Nägeli in Zürich in 1803. The parent work has three movements, so this movement has a place within a complete sonata rather than an independently established composition date.

Sources

• beethoven.de
• bu.edu

What to listen for

1. 1

   Connected pairs carry the faster phrase

   The faster line moves through short slurred pairs and changing pitches. Keep each pair connected while hearing the longer direction of the phrase and its written crescendo.

2. 2

   The line presses onward

   The quick paired motion continues and introduces a chromatic turn. Keep its forward movement clear without turning every changing pitch into a new accent.

3. 3

   A decorated slow answer pauses

   The music returns to a slower gesture with an ornament and a held ending. Allow that change of pace to register while keeping the upper and inner voices balanced.

How to practise it

Contrast the held opening sonority with the faster continuation.

1. Practise the sustained lower sonority with the two short upper notes.
2. Practise the slow opening and faster figure separately before joining them.
3. Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.

How hard is it

About this piece

Collection

Sonata journeys

Licence

Public Domain

Source

mutopiaproject.org

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