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Sonata No. 17 (2nd Movement: Adagio)

Ludwig van Beethoven · Level 7, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A sonata from summer 1802. Sonata No. 17 (2nd Movement: Adagio) is a sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.

On this page
  • sonata
  • dreamy
  • gentle
  • arpeggios

Also known as Op. 31 No. 2, movement II.

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

What to listen for

  1. A quiet rolled opening

    A quiet arpeggiated chord begins the movement and lasts through the full bar. Listen to its arrival and sustained sound rather than treating each chord tone as a separate beat.

  2. The melody answers above the chord

    A small quick note connects a dotted melodic gesture to a broader arrival. Keep the line singing as it moves from the high melody to the lower chord.

  3. A different harmony holds the space

    The next harmony fills a whole bar. Balance its sustained sound and keep the slow pulse alive without adding an accent that is not written.

  4. The answering shape returns higher

    The dotted melodic answer returns at a higher pitch level, then lands on a chord. Preserve the contrast between the brief connecting note and the broader tones around it.

How to practise it

Let the arpeggiated opening sustain before its decorated continuation.

  1. Practise the chord's calm arrival and full sustain before the next gesture.
  2. Practise the lower release and the later entry alone.
  3. Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.

How hard is it

Level 7, estimated

The upper-intermediate target emphasizes sustained phrase continuity, differentiated layers and reliable sound control through the complete Adagio. A slower movement is not automatically easier to perform well.

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

Let the arpeggiated opening sustain before its decorated continuation.

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