Sonata Pathetique Op. 13, No. 1 by Bethoveen

[sisterjenche]

I am learning the first movement of this Sonata and i just wanted to know if anyone has any advice for this particular piece.  Please post something you think might be helpful for me.  I would greatly appreciate it.

[phillipfawcett]

How is it going?  Good luck! This is powerful dramatic music and needs strict rhythmnic conrtol and an excellent range of dynamics.  First dont forget that strict counting is vital, an awareness of where every beat falls at all times ..the grave section for example place the 16th notes very carefully. Once you are familiar with the timing you can perhaps bend the rhythm a little for expressive effect.
Most important and challenging for the allegro is the LH tremolo.  Spend time getting this strict, relaxed and controlled. It needs to provide the rhythmic foundation onto which the RH fits. You will need to develop a fluent 'rotary' action in your left forearm, and your little finger should feel as though it is keeping time , tapping out the beats for you. It is actually the sideways twist in the forearm which plays the notes however, not finger movement .. the fingers only make the shape of the octave. Try to keep the wrist relaxed, little movements of it up and down here and there to stop it 'locking'.

[ludwig]

Hello, glad to hear that you are learning this piece. I always have been told that Beethoven means strictly what he indicates. So follow his instructions and musical suggestions on the score. This means precision in rhythm such as phillipfawcett mentioned, dynamics, fingering..(hehe) and expression.... goodluck

[YamahaC7girl]

Good Luck on this piece!  It's my favorite piano piece and I love to play it!  I think that even though Beethoven no-doubt knew exactly what he wanted, just play it with feeling!  After all, even Beethoven couldn't write anything between an 8th and a 16th!  I remember when I started learning it my piano teacher was trying to be polite (because it was awful!) and she said "Good.  Now all that you need to work on is your rythem, pitch, and dynamics".  I thought "geez what else is there??    I eventually won competitions with it though!  Much Luck!
Piper

[notelady]

Great piece to learn-- sometimes the most well known pieces of music are that because that they are simply great! My advice with the first movement and indeed with the rest of the movements is to think orchestral. Rich, harmonious and melodious. That LH tremelo for example, think timpani roll---etc. etc. etc
Good luck!