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

Ludwig van Beethoven · Level 8, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A sonata from summer 1814. Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90, II is a sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

On this page
  • sonata
  • gentle

Also known as Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90: II; Sonata No. 27 (2nd Movement: Nicht zu geschwind).

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

What to listen for

  1. A singing pickup leads into gentle support

    The pickup joins a gentle melody above alternating accompaniment. Hear the melody broaden through its octave responses.

  2. The refrain returns with familiar support

    The opening-related figure returns with corresponding accompaniment and ornaments. Compare the singing contour with its first appearance.

  3. A further refrain expands into contrast

    Renewed melody and chordal responses lead through broader contrasts. Hear the familiar song remain recognisable within the changing colour.

  4. Quiet recollection leads to one last flourish

    The late singing recall slows, gathers through an accelerating flourish and closes quietly at a tempo. Hear its final descent rather than prolonging the flourish.

How to practise it

Let the singing opening float over its own returning B sixteenths.

  1. Sing the pickup into the G-sharp, then play the phrase with the same direction and a steady eighth-note pulse.
  2. Play this inner pattern alone softly, then add the melody while keeping the repeated B unobtrusive.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

An extended singing movement requires sustained melodic balance and convincing pacing through recurring material.

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 singing opening float over its own returning B sixteenths.

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