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The short answer
Piano Sonata in E minor, Hob. XVI:34, I is a sonata by Joseph Haydn from the Classical era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.
- sonata
- Classical
- playful
- stormy
- broken chords
Also known as Haydn - Sonata in E minor Hob XVI/34 Movement I; L. 53; Piano Sonata in E minor, Hob. XVI:34: I.
History
This Presto opens Haydn’s three-movement E-minor keyboard sonata, Hob. XVI:34. The work’s composition date remains uncertain: its surviving history does not support one agreed year.
Sources
What to listen for
A brisk exchange between registers
Short lower notes begin each bar before the upper part answers with paired notes. Keep the exchanges clear and leave the written rests audible instead of filling them with extra sound.
Longer notes interrupt the motion
The upper part holds paired notes through ties while the lower line changes direction. Keep the sustained sound connected and avoid a new attack at each tie continuation.
A repeated answering gesture
A longer upper dyad gives way to shorter paired notes and a small chromatic turn. Keep the repeated gesture rhythmically consistent while the lower part leaves space around it.
Let the phrase come to rest
The upper line shortens its final gesture and then rests, with matching space in the lower part. Make the ending clear without adding an extra note or rushing into the next bar.
How to practise it
Keep the lower opening figure and delayed upper replies in one pulse.
- Let the lower figure establish the pulse.
- Place delayed upper entries accurately.
- Notice the changing register of the replies.
How hard is it
The upper-intermediate target values clear articulation, responsive contrasts and reliable coordination through the complete first movement.
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 C minor, Hob. XVI:20, movement ILevel 8, estimatedWith Maestro
