From the ingratiating to the sublime, a movement of stunning depth. This slow movement is in A-flat, 3/4 time, and is marked andante cantabile, which means a walking pace with a singing quality. Its in ternary format (ABA). Beethovens slow movements in his later years would become conversations with God. Here in his early period hes contemplative but not yet prayerful.
This movement gives Beethoven a chance to visit the dark keys of A-flat minor (7 flats) and E-flat minor (6 flats), which for Lou signify brooding, sorrow and yearning, and at 3:10 the skies turn dark for the B section. He cadences in C Major before returning to the A section in A-flat. As always, Lou re-composes his return, ornamenting his melodic line. The end is pure beauty and simplicity.
Bang