Beethoven Sonata Op 2 No 1

[searcher18]

I have a question about the second movement of this sonata. How should I approach the 32nd notes against 16th notes on the third page? I have dealt with strange rhythms in other pieces, but I'm having trouble with this specific rhythm. Measures 38, 39, and 43. Thanks in advance!

[j_menz]

It's an 8v6 polyrhythm. Have you done any sort of polyrhythms before?

[searcher18]

Thank you for your reply! I have done many 2 against 3 rhythms. Would that be helpful in learning 8v6 polyrhythms?

[j_menz]

It's a start, certainly.

The next step is usually a 3v4 polyrhythm, but 6v8 is really just two of them joined together anyway.

You can do a general search of the forum for tips on polyrhythms, and there's much good adcvice to be had.

In a 4v3, the first and third of the 4 fall in the same place as the notes of the 2 in 2v3, and the other notes are evenly spaced between. In the sonata bit you are doing, one way is to skip every second note in the 8s. which leaves you with a basic 2v3 scheme. Get comfortable with that and then put the missing notes back in between.