Introduction The Beethoven Piano Sonata Op.110 in A flat major is, currently, one of the most performed piano sonatas. This masterpiece presents a complex musical structure that defines its uniqueness and romantic characteristics. The purpose of this essay is to analyze and illustrate the musical elements that shaped the development of this particular work. If the performer is able to apply such information, it could significantly affect the performance of this piece. Therefore, an analysis of this piano sonata will foster a greater understanding of Beethoven’s composition and thus reveal more of Beethoven’s musical intentions and performance practice. Beethoven’s Life and Musical Style Beethoven’s life was strongly influenced by his musical …show more content…
Beethoven’s early piano sonatas present characteristics that are marked by free forms and clarity of form, as observed in Haydn’s piano sonatas. Moreover, they are technically less demanding, such as Beethoven Sonatas Op. 10 No. 1 and 2. However, Beethoven Sonata Op. 10 No. 3 is technically demanding, which is Beethoven’s finest classical sonata from this period. This particular piano sonata is a perfect example of Beethoven’s classic style, where he explores a variety of classical elements, such as fast scales, short melodies, fast octaves, and clearly marked cadences, which proves a strong influence of Clementi on Beethoven’s compositional style. Clementi wrote more than one hundred piano sonatas that include all levels of piano technique. Beethoven’s unique creativeness can be observed in the way he develops his short motives in the Sonata Op. 10 No. 3 and it is quite clear the theatrical or operatic mood of this work. Beethoven’s second period could be described as more Romantic because of the variety of styles and freely forms found in his piano sonatas from this period. Also, these sonatas are more challenging to play since they present a more complex structure and a demanding technique as observed at the beginning of the first movement of the Sonata Op. 57. One of the most well-known Beethoven Sonatas from …show more content…
“The piano sonatas of the second period show a wide range of styles and forms. Among the earliest, dating from about 1802, are the Sonata in A flat with the funeral march, Op. 26, and the two sonatas of Op. 27, each designated as "quasi una fantasia"; the second is the one popularly known as the "Moonlight Sonata" Outstanding among the sonatas of the second period are Op. 53 in C major and Op. 57 in F minor.” Beethoven’ sonatas from this period are mainly marked by the freedom and creativity of the composer, where he explores a variety of compositional elements such as the set of variations and improvisational elements as observed in his “Appassionata