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The short answer
Piano Sonata in D major, K. 576, II. Adagio is a sonata by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from the Classical era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.
- sonata
- Classical
- Key of A major
- gentle
Also known as Mozart - Piano Sonata No. 18 in D: Adagio; Piano Sonata in D major, K. 576: II. Adagio.
History
The Adagio is the slow middle movement of Mozart's D-major Sonata K. 576, composed in Vienna in 1789. It sits between the opening Allegro and the closing Allegretto: a contrasting central chapter within a three-movement work.
Sources
What to listen for
A minor-key idea changes the colour
Listen to the minor-key contrast and its return before the opening reappears.
The opening comes back
Recognise the opening theme again after the contrasting minor-key idea.
Closing material changes to major
Compare the closing idea’s major-key colour with its earlier minor-key character.
How to practise it
Fit the tiny upper decoration above independently held support.
- Practise each small figure into its next longer note at a slow tempo.
- Practise the two lower layers alone before adding the decoration.
- Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.
How hard is it
An expressive ornamented line and contrasting textures require mature balance and controlled pacing.
About this piece
- Collection
- Sonata journeys
- Licence
- CC0
- Source
- musescore.com
More by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Menuetto in F for clavier, K. 1dLevel 2, estimatedWith Maestro
- Rondo alla Turca, K. 331, IIILevel 7, estimatedWith Maestro
- Piano Sonata in C Minor - KV. 457 (3rd Movement)Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
