The first sonata in this opus, the Piano Sonata in E, Op. 14/1, is the first sonata of Beethoven’s that lacks a slow movement. In this three-movement piece, the middle movement is a minuet.
The first movement is a simple allegro in 4/4 time. The first subject is a beguiling singing tune that could pass for Schubert. It leads into a second subject in the expected key of B Major that dodges between bass and treble clefs. The exposition repeats.
At 3:56, it’s development time on the floor. Lou turns to A minor and C Major.
At 4:54, he completely re-composes his recapitulation by putting block chords in the right hand while the left plays arpeggios. His transition plays around with the concept of key to get his second subject in the correct key of E Major. He settles it down very quietly with utter serenity.
The second movement, the allegretto minuet, is in E minor and 3/4 time. It’s rather bleak, but the middle section is marked not “trio”, but “maggiore”. It’s in C Major and dispels the gloom. The opening returns, but drifts into a specially written coda that uses the middle section to gently lay it to rest in E minor.
The finale is a rondo in E Major, 2/2 time, with the direction allegro comodo. This direction does not refer either to a large lizard or a toilet, but means “comfortably fast”. Between episodes, you’ll hear that opening tune with the running notes a lot. The final statement of the theme puts the right hand on the off-beats, a favorite Beethoven trick, then puts the off-beats in the left hand. The end is simple and straightforward.
Hello, Publius!
Ready to hear my Sonata tonight as I set up Tomorrow’s thread.
Also, tomorrow is our second rehearsal of my new Gospel Rock Band. Hopefully we will be ready for Sunday Morning.
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