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Beethoven: Sonata 23 (Appassionata)

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ID:36
Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonatas :
Sonata 23 (Appassionata), opus 57
Sonata 23 (Appassionata)  opus 57 F Minor by Ludwig van Beethoven piano sheet music
Key: F Minor Published: 1805
Level: 8+ Period: Classical
piano sheet music Piano score PS Urtext
piano sheet music Piano score Ruthardt edition

A cry of desperation

Beethoven’s Sonata in f minor op. 57 was composed when Beethoven was coming to terms with the fact that he was going deaf, and the frustration that he felt can be heard throughout the piece. After Beethoven’s death, it was given the unofficial title Appassionata, as it is considered one of the most emotionally tempestuous of Beethoven's piano works.

The first movement begins with a slow, mysterious melody, played in unison. But soon the restrained atmosphere gives way to loud, intense outbursts that convey a sense of emotional intensity. Dark and ominous sounds dominate this movement, and a sense of restlessness remains even during the brighter moments.

Things quiet down in the second movement. It is based on a theme in D-flat major, which undergoes a couple of predominantly rhythmic transformations. This movement is much simpler than the first, and is more introspective where the first movement was fiery and intense.

The third movement returns to the emotional intensity of the first movement with a fast, rather chaotic exercise in perpetual motion, and ends with a tumultuous, almost violent coda. The sense of frustration and anger that Beethoven felt when composing this piece will be evident to every player and listener.



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Posts in the piano forum about this piece by Beethoven:

xx Is Appassionata more technically demanding than La Campanella?
July 08, 2012, 04:45:10 AM by rachmaninoff_forever

I know Appasionata is more musically demanding, but is it more technically demanding?  And if so, then why?  You don't have to worry about exhausting yourself in Appasionata like you do in La Campanella do you?


xx Appassionata
February 19, 2011, 10:26:00 PM by punkpianist360

Hello Everybody!

     I want to develop myself to play this sonata because I think, as do others, that it is a rewarding and beautiful piece.  I learned Beethoven's Op. 2 No. 3 Sonata already, but want to learn a Schubert Sonata that would be beneficial to acquire the techniques that are demanded in the Appassionata.  I am choosing a Schubert Sonata just to do something out of the ordinary for a change.

So, any suggestions?


xx Beethoven Appassionata
February 01, 2011, 06:03:50 AM by monkeydudexd

My number one piece I want to learn for the piano has been (for quite a while) Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata Op. 57 Mvt 3. I would most likely start it in June or July because of other pieces I am learning for competitions and recitals right now. I was wondering you all think I'm ready for such a monstrous piece based on my current repertoire. Just as a note, I never move on from a piece until I can play it to absolute perfection.

Significant pieces I have played:
Beethoven Sonata No. 8 Op. 13 Mvt 1, Pathetique
Beethoven Sonata No. 17 Op. 31 No. 2 Mvt 1, Tempest
Beethoven Sonata No. 27 Op. 90 Mvt 1
Bach Italian Concerto Mvt 3
Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 17
Mozart Sonata K. 284 Mvt 1
Mozart Sonata K. 310 Mvt 1

If you think I'm not ready yet, please recommend a piece of lower caliber but maybe of similar style. Thanks!



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