Beethoven Piano Sonata no. 5

[johannesbrahms]

Why do most players play Beethoven's fifth piano sonata(first movement) at a tempo that is closer to vivace? The score says allegro molto e con brio. I would think the correct speed would be about 144-152 quarter notes per minute, but most pianists play at about 200 quarter notes per minute. Can anyone here explain this to me?

[symphonicdance]

May be they want to keep the tension/momentum going, and after all, it's in "C minor"...

BTW, allegro molto did not necessarily mean very lively in Beethoven's mind.  Molto would more likely mean uneasy, agitated.  From Stephen Kovacevich's masterclass if my memory serves me correctly.