Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 16 in G major, Op. 31, No. 1: I. Allegro vivace

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No. 16 in G major, Op. 31, No. 1 (Watch my Pedagogy video “Beethoven’s Humor in Piano Sonata 16, Op. 31, No.1”:    • Beethoven's Humor in Piano Sonata 16, Op. ...  ) Beethoven’s monumental 32 keyboard sonatas expanded and developed the then-established Classical Sonata. He demonstrated more power, variety of expression, and harmonic experimentation in his works. He also gave more weight to the other movements, so the “center of gravity” would not just be in the first movement. While the solo sonata generally remained a domestic genre during the Classical period, Beethoven was key to making the sonata a concert piece into a trend. Beethoven’s Piano Sonata no. 16, composed in 1802 (his middle period), is full of humor, especially in the first movement. From the very beginning, the right hand and left hand cannot seem to play together when they are expected to be exactly in unison. When they finally come together, they run up and down the keyboard in unison. Beethoven reiterates this “joke” all throughout the movement. He goes through unexpected keys and ends the movement with a final laugh. The second movement is one of the longest among all his sonatas. It is marked Adagio grazioso, which is an unusual pairing of words for a tempo marking. This movement is a nod to Italian Opera, wherein the singers as show off in exaggerated runs, trills, and pretentious cadenzas. Although there are elements of parody, Beethoven genuinely loved opera, and this movement illustrates that spirit of drama and loftiness. The third movement flows with lyrical lines, sway, and hints of wit. It ultimately ends in a whirlwind Presto, and of course, a final joke. References: Grove Music Online https://lynn-lang.student.lynn.edu:20... Notes by Angela Hewitt (2016) https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/dw... Special Thanks to: Sounds Kradle Inc. Kayserburg Pianos Applied Music Platform by Sounds Kradle Inc. Mr. Reginald Tan Dr. Roberta Rust Jannina Eliana (Janna) G. Peña, pianist