Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sonata 16
in C Major, K. 545
Despite its modest scale and the fact that it wasn't made public during Mozart's life, this Sonata is a flawless and remarkable work of a mature master, who in the same summer wrote his last three symphonies.
Year: 1788
Period: Classical
Piano score: PS Urtext 
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Flawless simplicity
Although Mozart himself categorized this Sonata as a work "for beginners", it requires at least an intermediate performer, and is even considered worthy of appearences on the professional concert platform, even outside of complete cycles of the Mozart Sonatas. A keen sense of style, as well as good handling of scales, broken chords and double notes is required. Obviously Mozart took care to maintain the highest standards also when writing for students. Evenness of passage work and smoothness of accompanying patterns play a major role in the first movement. This innocently graceful Andante shows a surprising depth of emotion, despite its apparent simplicity. Here the right-hand focus is on cantabile, while the left hand is a veritable Alberti-bass exercise. The final Rondo, with its playful imitating staccato thirds, is the most lively and child-like of the three movements.Background
The Sonata in C major K 545 is sometimes referred to as "Sonata facile"or "Sonata semplice" – which both mean the Easy Sonata. Indeed, Mozart referred to it in his work catalogue (June 26, 1788) as "a little Piano Sonata for beginners". The manuscript of this charming and delicate work is sadly lost, and it was not published during the composer's lifetime; the first edition appeared in 1805. Supposedly, Mozart intended the piece to be used for teaching, but we don't know anything else about the circumstances of its composition.Practice & Performance Tips:
A very important element of the first movement are the scales and broken chords, moving constantly up and down the keyboard. Strive to shape these "wave patterns" musically. The suble shading of dynamics and timing that is needed to phrase this kind of music beautifully needs a loose and flexible wrist and arm. Unless this is achieved, the fingers will only be capable of a mechanical, note-by-note rendition.The second movement provides an excellent opportunity to practice your Alberti bass patterns. Just make sure that they don't take over; see to it that the right hand dominates without having to use force. In this case, it is advisable to use finger pedal in the left hand – that is, holding on to notes (bass notes in particular) rather than releasing them when the next one is struck.
(Although Mozart listed this work as "for beginners", this is not exactly what you should expect a first year piano student to take on. Not even the slow second movement is particularly easy, unless you have some previous experience of the piano writing of the classical era. A good and clear articulation of scales, broken chords and double notes is needed, as well as good execution of left hand Alberti bass patterns. But don't let this scare you... Sign up for a Gold membership to read the practice tips.
Forum posts about this piece:
Impulse/ impetus and long phrases. by softbn
Hello. I was practicing fantasie impromptu by Chopin and that professor heard it and said that I need to handle it a different way. He said that the left hand is grouped as six notes and need to played that...
Mozart k 576 or 475 by sonata_5
I can’t decide to learn first movement of 576 or whole 475! I want it to be a “rogue” project(not with my piano teacher). I have done Mozart k 545 which is my only other Mozart sonata but both 576 and 485...
Is this piece a good representation of my skill level [Mozart Sonata K.545 - I.] by doubleconcerto
drive.google.com/file/d/1-6Lcnb8O_JyuxgSuNpjJKuRqSkAhqaE6/view?usp=sharing For context, I've been playing for over 6 years, but for 2, maybe 3 of those I was playing pieces that were way...
How do you make the fast scales in KV 545 sound more crisp? by pascalxus
I noticed when the pros play Sonata KV 545, at allegro, those scales sound beautiful and so crisp. When i play them with the metronome, especially when I play them fast, they sound a bit legato and...
How many hours do you practice for a one piece? (to get to recital level play) by pascalxus
I know most people will practice multiple songs and excercise per day. But, Has anyone ever logged the number of hours they practice, just on one piece until it gets to performance level speed...
How to improve how I sound when playing the piano? by figaro
I've returned to playing piano after ending my lessons more than 20 years ago. Currently I have a teacher and getting familiar with playing again. When I ended my lessons I had played pieces by...
Help! I'm struggling to find a summer music program! by chopinonions
I am currently struggling to find a music program that is around my skill level. I have 13 years of experience in classical music (solo, no chamber). Currently my completed repertoire is Mozart 545 sonata in C...
Mozart K.545 Sonata by richardparkokay
Hello! My name is Richard :) I am learning the K.545 sonata by Mozart. Namely, the first movement, if that is the correct term. I'm planning to do the entire sonata but the first one is...
Your thoughts on my teacher & help by pianist7s
So, this will be my 3rd Piano Teacher and I been watching his piano videos for weeks. I like his piano playing. I think he be great teacher for me, unlike my other two teachers they wasn't great teach for...
Lost technical proficiency at playing a piece by dontcheeseme
There is this piece that I had no trouble playing for a few weeks including yesterday, especially the supposedly technical part where you do the C major arpeggios and scales downward (the Rondo part of...
Learning only certain movements to sonatas...a no-no? by alex1469
I have wondered if it is bad practice to learn only one movement of a sonata. I have heard some people say yes, and others say that it is perfectly fine. I am asking this because I once learned the first two...
Advice on Recital Piece by mariesan
Hello! I need advice for a recital piece this coming December. I don't know my piano grade but I've played piano for almost 4 years now, and I have already played these pieces for previous...
Are Piano exams like ABRSM getting easier? by tinyhands
Hello, a question for teachers, I'm an amateur pianist and I often pick up sheet music books from charity shops to practice sight reading and see that the same 'old favourites' pop up time...
Polishing Invention 13 by pianocat3
I like this invention, and have worked on it about 20 minutes a day for over two months and it's still not polished. Am I just being a whining baby with unrealistic expectations and should keep polishing,...
Sight Reading tips and advice by pianist7s
Hello Everyone I'm Marlon Brown and I been playing the piano for almost 3 years, I am self taught and can play by ear. I can play Beethoven - Fur Elise, Bach Prelude in C major, Mozart Sonata...
Improving Rhythm by evannn
Hi everyone :) I was wondering if anyone knew of any ways to improve your rhythm? Perhaps any exercises, or ideal pieces? I can play a few fairly technically demanding pieces, but my rhythm...
I'm at a loss with these pieces. Help? by reiyza
It's me again guys. It's been a while since I've posted. Seeing it as I can't post in the repertoire section. Quick question. Has anyone played the [b]Chopin 64-2[/b]?...
do you use pedal for mozart k545? by ridiculousme
i am learning mozart k545 at the moment. may i know, do u use pedal with this...
Mozart kv545 by caioramos
Hey guys! I love this one, and I was wondering how difficult it is for a begginer. I heard the second movement is much easier than the first one. Any suggestions? Also,...
Form and Analysis of Mozart Rondo: Allegretto, 3rd mvt. Sonata in C K. 545 by music32
arioso7.wordpress.com/2011/01/14/piano-instruction-mozart-rondo-allegretto-3rd-mvt-sonata-in-c-k-545/ I had to complete the cycle of movements, as I left off with second...
Perhaps this post belongs here. Mozart Sonata in C..Harmonic Rhythm and Phrasing by music32
arioso7.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/piano-instruction-harmonic-rhythm-and-phrasing-part-1-mozart-sonata-in-c-k-545/ part two is linked at the site. Part three is on its way.
Blogging about Mozart Sonata in C, K. 545, video/Harmonic Rhythm and Phrasing by music32
I've posted part and part 2 at the same blog site below: arioso7.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/piano-instruction-harmonic-rhythm-and-phrasing-part-1-mozart-sonata-in-c-k-545/ has...
Mozart K545, easy!? by feddera
I haven't played any Mozart, and I'm looking for a piece to start with. After reading around the forum, I got the impression that Mozart's sonata in C major, K545, is considered an...
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Sonata K. 545 in C Major, a composition by the classical composer Wolfgang Amadéus Mozart. The piano score of this piece was first published in 1788 and is part of Sonatas by Mozart.