Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90, I

History

Beethoven-Haus places this two-movement sonata in summer 1814. Its dedication names Count Moritz von Lichnowsky, and publication is recorded in 1815. The dates distinguish the work's writing from its appearance in print.

Sources

• beethoven.de

What to listen for

1. 1

   A forceful pickup meets quiet replies

   The pickup leads to forceful dotted chords answered by quiet detached gestures. Hear the alternation as a dialogue, not one uniform intensity.

2. 2

   Runs and repeated chords make a contrast

   Octave spans, rapid descents and repeated attacks intensify the contrasting region. Follow their direction as it eases toward softer movement.

3. 3

   Changing colour prepares the opening return

   The A-minor-signature passage moves back toward E-minor writing. Hear the changing register and diminishing responses prepare the later return.

4. 4

   Quiet recalls close the dialogue

   Diminishing exchanges and held punctuation lead to a final opening-related gesture. Hear its quieter E and rest as the dialogue settles.

How to practise it

Keep the inner held harmony alive while the dotted upper gesture speaks and stops.

1. First hold the chord quietly while singing the upper G/F-sharp rhythm, then combine them without releasing the chord early.
2. Practise the paired-note reply at a slow three-beat pulse, counting each rest aloud.

How hard is it

About this piece

Collection

Sonata journeys

Licence

Public Domain

Source

mutopiaproject.org

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