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Beethoven Piano Sonatas: A Short Companion

Russell Mitchell

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Ludwig van Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas are among the most beloved and frequently performed works in the classical music repertoire. They are a testament to Beethoven's genius as a composer and his profound understanding of the piano as an instrument. The sonatas span Beethoven's entire career, from his early years in Bonn to his final days in Vienna. They reflect his evolving musical style, from the Classical period to the Romantic period.

This short companion provides an overview of Beethoven's piano sonatas, including a brief discussion of each sonata's history, structure, and musical content. It is intended to be a resource for both listeners and performers, as well as for anyone who is interested in learning more about Beethoven's music.

Beethoven's early piano sonatas are characterized by their Classical style, with clear and concise forms and textures. They are often influenced by the music of Haydn and Mozart, but they also contain glimpses of Beethoven's own unique voice.

Beethoven's Piano Sonatas: A Short Companion

by Charles Rosen

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Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2, No. 1 (1795): This sonata is a youthful work, but it already shows Beethoven's mastery of the piano. The first movement is a stormy Allegro, while the second movement is a delicate Adagio. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 2, No. 2 (1795): This sonata is more serene and lyrical than the first sonata. The first movement is a gentle Andante, while the second movement is a spirited Allegro. The finale is a graceful Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2, No. 3 (1795): This sonata is the most substantial of the early sonatas. The first movement is a majestic Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio. The finale is a lively Presto.
Piano Sonata No. 4 in Eb major, Op. 7 (1797): This sonata is known for its beautiful melody and flowing accompaniment. The first movement is a lyrical Allegro, while the second movement is a serene Andante. The finale is a playful Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 5 in C minor, Op. 10, No. 1 (1798): This sonata is one of Beethoven's most popular works. The first movement is a dramatic Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio. The finale is a lively Presto.
Piano Sonata No. 6 in F major, Op. 10, No. 2 (1798): This sonata is a more relaxed and playful work than the previous sonata. The first movement is a graceful Allegro, while the second movement is a delicate Andante. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10, No. 3 (1798): This sonata is known for its virtuosic piano writing. The first movement is a brilliant Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Andante. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 ("Pathétique") (1798): This sonata is one of Beethoven's most famous works. The first movement is a dramatic Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 9 in E major, Op. 14, No. 1 (1799): This sonata is a bright and cheerful work. The first movement is a lively Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio. The finale is a playful Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 10 in G major, Op. 14, No. 2 (1799): This sonata is a more serious and introspective work than the previous sonata. The first movement is a solemn Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Andante. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 11 in Bb major, Op. 22 (1800): This sonata is known for its beautiful melody and flowing accompaniment. The first movement is a lyrical Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio. The finale is a playful Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 12 in Ab major, Op. 26 (1801): This sonata is a more relaxed and playful work than the previous sonata. The first movement is a graceful Allegro, while the second movement is a delicate Andante. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 13 in Eb major, Op. 27, No. 1 (1801): This sonata is known for its virtuosic piano writing. The first movement is a brilliant Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C# minor, Op. 27, No. 2 ("Moonlight") (1801): This sonata is one of Beethoven's most famous works. The first movement is a slow and expressive Adagio, while the second movement is a lively Allegretto. The finale is a delicate Andante.

Beethoven's middle sonatas are characterized by their greater complexity and emotional depth. They reflect Beethoven's growing mastery of the piano as an instrument and his own personal struggles.

Piano Sonata No. 15 in D major, Op. 28 ("Pastoral") (1802): This sonata is a more relaxed and playful work than the previous sonatas. The first movement is a gentle Allegro, while the second movement is a delicate Andante. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 16 in G major, Op. 31, No. 1 (1802): This sonata is a more serious and introspective work than the previous sonata. The first movement is a solemn Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2 ("The Tempest") (1802): This sonata is one of Beethoven's most dramatic and powerful works. The first movement is a stormy Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 18 in Eb major, Op. 31, No. 3 (1802): This sonata is a more relaxed and playful work than the previous sonata. The first movement is a graceful Allegro, while the second movement is a delicate Andante. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 19 in G minor, Op. 49, No. 1 (1797): This sonata is a more personal and introspective work than the previous sonatas. The first movement is a slow and expressive Adagio, while the second movement is a lively Allegretto. The finale is a delicate Andante.
Piano Sonata No. 20 in G major, Op. 49, No. 2 (1797): This sonata is a more relaxed and playful work than the previous sonata. The first movement is a gentle Allegro, while the second movement is a delicate Andante. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 ("Waldstein") (1803): This sonata is one of Beethoven's most virtuosic and challenging works. The first movement is a brilliant Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 22 in F major, Op. 54 (1804): This sonata is a more relaxed and playful work than the previous sonata. The first movement is a graceful Allegro, while the second movement is a delicate Andante. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 ("Appassionata") (1804): This sonata is one of Beethoven's most dramatic and powerful works. The first movement is a stormy Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 24 in F# major, Op. 78 (1809): This sonata is a more relaxed and playful work than the previous sonata. The first movement is a graceful Allegro, while the second movement is a delicate Andante. The finale is a lively Rondo.
Piano Sonata No. 25 in G major, Op. 79 (1809): This sonata is a more serious and introspective work than the previous sonata. The first movement is a solemn Allegro, while the second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio. The finale is a lively Rondo.
**Piano Sonata No.