PlayPiano
The short answer
A dated fragment, but an uncertain finishing date. Piano Sonata in C minor, Hob. XVI:20, movement I is a sonata by Joseph Haydn from the Classical era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.
- sonata
- Classical
- stormy
Also known as Haydn - Sonata in C minor HOB XVI/20 Movement I; Piano Sonata in C minor, Hob. XVI:20: movement I.
History
A 1771 fragment preserves parts of this sonata, but its completion date is unknown. Haydn sent it to Artaria on 31 January 1780. The published set honoured both Auenbrugger sisters; the publisher, not Haydn, initiated that dedication.
Sources
What to listen for
The first theme groups regularly
Hear the first theme’s regular phrase groups before the second theme changes their spacing.
The second theme groups more freely
Compare the second theme’s freer three-bar groups with the first theme’s regular phrases.
Triplet material drives the development
Listen for the exposition coda’s triplet material becoming prominent in the development.
How to practise it
Keep the long-short upper pairs distinct over sparse support.
- Practise the upper two-measure contour alone, preserving the dotted proportions.
- Practise the lower transition and its releases before adding the upper pairs.
- Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.
How hard is it
Dramatic Classical writing and concentrated contrasts require advanced dynamic control and coordinated passagework.
About this piece
- Collection
- Sonata journeys
- Licence
- CC0
- Source
- musescore.com
More by Joseph Haydn
- Piano Sonata Hob. XVI:27, movement IILevel 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Piano Sonata in E minor, Hob. XVI:34, ILevel 7, estimatedWith Maestro
