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Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57, II. Andante con moto

Ludwig van Beethoven · Level 8, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

Appassionata was not Beethoven's title. Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57, II. Andante con moto is a sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

On this page
  • sonata
  • gentle
  • grand
  • voicing

Also known as Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57: II. Andante con moto; Sonata No. 23 “Appassionata” (2nd Movement: Andante con moto).

History

Beethoven-Haus places the parent sonata between 1804 and the first half of 1806, with publication in 1807 and a dedication to Count Franz Brunsvik de Korompa. The name Appassionata was not supplied by Beethoven. The institutional account first reports it in an 1838 four-hand arrangement published by Cranz in Hamburg.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. A calm chordal statement

    The opening speaks in broad chords, then adds a dotted rhythm. Listen for a singing upper line within the chord texture, without making every note equally prominent.

  2. The phrase comes to rest

    The harmony moves before arriving on a longer chord. Keep the line connected through the change and let the held sound settle without losing the underlying pulse.

  3. A higher version of the gesture

    The chordal shape returns in a higher register. Preserve the calm movement while hearing the altered inner notes in the dotted-rhythm answer.

  4. An ending leaves a breath

    The phrase resolves into a broader final sound and a short rest. Keep the rest in the pulse, and distinguish the written ending from the repeat occurrence in playback.

How to practise it

Balance the upper chord changes over an independently shaped bass.

  1. Practise the first two chordal gestures quietly and evenly.
  2. Practise the lower opening alone, then add the upper chord changes softly.
  3. Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

The advanced target concerns a coherent full Andante con moto with controlled character and dependable coordination across its changing texture. It is not assessed by the pace of its opening alone.

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

Balance the upper chord changes over an independently shaped bass.

Practise it in PlayPiano