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Classical · sonata

Piano Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 No. 2 “Tempest”: III. Allegretto

Ludwig van Beethoven · Level 8, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A sonata from summer 1802. Piano Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 No. 2 “Tempest”: III. Allegretto is a sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven from the Classical era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

On this page
  • sonata
  • Classical
  • Key of D minor
  • stormy

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. Flowing cells connect the opening

    The short opening launches upper sixteenth cells. Hear their continuing direction rather than accenting each cell as an independent start.

  2. Fragments sit over continuing lower motion

    Upper movement becomes fragmented while the lower line continues. Listen to the foundation during the upper gaps.

  3. Sequences exchange registers and roles

    Sequential figures pass between registers and staves. Follow their related shape rather than attaching the moving role to a fixed hand.

  4. Linked movement thins into rests

    The final movement links the staves before thinning into rests and a slower close. Hear the remaining line settle through the gaps.

How to practise it

Keep the flowing motive and its lower support independently released.

  1. Practise the pickup and next label together, including the small rest.
  2. Practise those lower strands alone before adding the upper figure.
  3. Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

The recurring upper pickup and release pattern interacts with lower sixteenth-note arpeggiation and a separately tied voice. Rhythmic alignment, register transfer and independent sustained layers are already demanding; full-movement endurance and tempo require review.

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
CC0
Source
musescore.com

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

Keep the flowing motive and its lower support independently released.

Practise it in PlayPiano