PlayPiano
The short answer
The closing rondo of an early teaching sonatina. Sonatine I - Rondo is a sonatina by Friedrich Kuhlau. PlayPiano puts it at Level 4, an estimate.
- sonatina
- joyful
- playful
- block chords
Also known as IFK 62, movement 3; Op. 20 No. 1, movement 3.
History
This Rondo is movement 3 of Kuhlau's first Op. 20 Sonatina. The International Friedrich Kuhlau Society dates the sonatina to approximately 1819 and records its first publication by Breitkopf & Härtel in 1820. Those dates belong to the parent work, not to independently documented completion dates for its three movements.
Sources
What to listen for
A quick pickup and a playful turn
Two sixteenths lead into a dotted figure with neighbouring notes. Keep the pickup light and the short notes clear without letting them disturb the main pulse.
A small chromatic lift
A C-centred figure leads to C-sharp moving to D. Hear the chromatic note as a lead toward its destination, then let the next pickup continue the phrase.
From running notes to chords
The small-note pattern continues, then gives way to repeated G-based chords and a settling C. Keep the change in texture clear while maintaining the same pulse.
The theme returns with more emphasis
The familiar opening figure returns with a stronger dynamic. Preserve its rhythmic character; stronger emphasis does not require making the short notes faster.
How to practise it
Keep the dotted figures crisp and the supporting rests clear.
- Practise the opening rhythm on one pitch before restoring the neighbour notes.
- Practise the two chords and their release before combining.
- Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.
How hard is it
The proposed target emphasizes dependable returns and transitions across the full rondo component, with pulse and articulation remaining clear.
About this piece
- Collection
- Sonata journeys
- Licence
- Public Domain
- Source
- mutopiaproject.org
More by Friedrich Kuhlau
- Sonatine I - AndanteLevel 3, estimatedWith Maestro
- Sonatine I - AllegroLevel 4, estimatedWith Maestro
