Piano Sonata No. 8
Music: Edexcel GCSE, topic 2.2.1
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor ‘Pathétique’
Your second set work for Instrumental Music 1700–1820 is the 1st Movement from L van Beethoven's Piano Sonata no. 8 in C minor ‘Pathétique’.
Style
- Sonata Pathetique was composed in 1798 during the Classical period but clearly showing features of the Romantic style.
- The term 'Pathetique' refers to the word suffering and music of the Romantic period was often about expressing emotions and breaking free from the strict rules of ‘Classical’ composition.
Dynamics
- Contrast is key here.
- There are extreme and angular dynamics, meaning that Beethoven is moving from very loud to very quiet.
- The heavy accented chords in the introduction are dramatic and use the marking fp meaning Forte to Piano.
- During the 10 bar introduction there is also a ff marking in the chords.
Rhythm - Introduction
- The Introduction is slow: Grave.
- The Introduction is written in 4/4.
Rhythm - Exposition
- The Exposition section (more on this later) is fast: Allegro di Molto e Con Brio meaning 'played in a fast tempo with spirit'.
- The piece is also written in 2/2.
Augmentation
- Beethoven uses augmentation (b139 – 143) which is where the notes of the introduction have been doubled in length.
Test yourself on Piano Sonata No. 8
What is the tempo of the Exposition section of Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor ‘Pathétique’?