Beethoven: Sonata 23 (Appassionata) Op. 57 in F Minor

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.