Pathetic? No. Sonata? No.

The term “sonata” can mean a musical composition of 3 or 4 movements of contrasting forms. From a more theoretical viewpoint, however, “sonata” describes the harmonic progression (exposition, development, recapitulation) of a piece. The sonata form is most typically used in the first movement of a multi-movement sonata piece. Confused yet? Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 13, when viewed as a whole IS a sonata – meaning it is a musical composition of 3 or 4 movements of contrasting forms. The first movement IS also a sonata due to its harmonic progression. The third movement (the piece provided on our CD) IS NOT a sonata. For those more familiar with classical music this may not be a problem, but it gives me a headache.

The third movement in Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 13 is a seven part rondo with a coda. This can be diagramed as A-B-A-C-A-D-A’. The A section, or refrain, is repeated a total of four times – which can be heard on tracks 1, 3, 5, and 7 of the piece. The A section should be what makes or breaks the piece, since it is the main theme. I was not overly impressed with the main theme, but instead found the various episodes more entertaining. I enjoyed the greater variety of rhythms and dynamics in the B section, as well as the way in which Beethoven moved from the tonic to the relative major and then back again. Section C begins with an abrupt key change to A flat major, not too jolting though because it is a closely related key. The rhythm is a gentle, syncopated rocking back and forth legato motion. This quickly evolves from half notes, to quarter notes, to staccato eighth notes, to sweeping sixteenth note arpeggios. The D section is again rhythmically and dynamically diverse, borrowing many elements from the B section, this time however presenting them in C major. This similarity between the B and D sections provide a sense of balance to the movement. It may also qualify the work as some sort of sonata-rondo hybrid form, but that would necessitate the creation of a new catchy title so I think I’ll argue against it.

Overall I enjoyed this piece, not for its main theme, but for its diversions away from the main theme. I’d say that’s good enough. Some people enjoy watching the Superbowl just to see the commercials.

To print out the sheet music so you can play it at home click here:

http://www.all-about-beethoven.com/pdf/beethoven/pathetique.pdf