Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2 No. 1

Stephanie Ebaugh
Music History
Listening Guide #2
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2 No. 1

Biography:
Ludwig van Beethoven was a famous and brilliant German composer who lived from 1770 to 1727. His prolific body of work followed in the footsteps of other great composers such as Mozart and Chopin. Since childhood, he had always shown a talent for improvisation, and loved showing off his skills later in life as a professional performer and composer. In 1795, the 25 year old Beethoven wrote his first piano sonata, and was granted the opportunity to perform in Vienna. This was his first appearance as a concert pianist.

For the next three years he toured many cities such as Berlin and Prague, performing his works. The news of his popularity spread quickly as Beethoven's renown grew. After becoming discovered, many more performances and opportunities followed. The biggest event was a concert given with works from Haydn and Mozart as well. The piece by Beethoven was one of his piano concerti.

Historical Background:
The opus 2 collection of Beethoven's piano sonatas were dedicated to Joseph Haydn who was Beethoven's private teacher at the time. As a teacher viewing his student, Haydn had much confidence and saw a great future ahead for young Beethoven. However, Beethoven did not feel the same about Haydn. He made it known that he did not feel as if he learned anything from his esteemed teacher.

This piece is split into four movements: Allegro, Adagio, Menuetto: Allegretto, and Prestissimo. Much of this piece is inspired by composers before him such as Mozart, Chopin, and Haydn. The first movement of the sonata sounds very much like many of the works by Mozart specifically.

Listener’s Map:
Movement 1: Allegro
Sonata Form
Exposition-
The exposition begins with a simple ascending melody.

The left hand becomes more dominant and assisting a new melody.


Development-
The development starts with the same theme from the exposition.


Recapitulation-

Everytime this reocurring theme begins, the starting pitch is higher.

Codetta-

Movement 2: Adagio
The second movement begins delicately and in F major.


Movement 3: Menuetto - Allegretto
The menuetto starts off light.

Trio-The trio begins with 8th notes to increase the speed of the melody.

Movement 4: Prestissimo
The prestissimo's movement uses an alberti for a stronger feel. The right hand mainly plays chords and fast 8th notes along with the left hand.

Observations:

I enjoy this 8th note section of the first movement because it requires a lot of coordination. This is where the first movement feels like the piece is growing more.

List of Sources:
http://www.biography.com/people/ludwig-van-beethoven-9204862?page=6 http://theomniscientmussel.com/2008/06/beethoven-piano-sonata-notes-op-2-no-1/ http://www.all-about-beethoven.com/piano1.html