Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1796 - 1797

Average_duration

:

28:18

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 4 in E flat major, Op. 7, also known as the Grand Sonata, was composed in 1796-1797 and premiered in Vienna in 1797. The sonata is divided into four movements and is considered one of Beethoven's longest and most ambitious piano sonatas. The first movement, marked Allegro molto e con brio, begins with a grand and majestic introduction, followed by a lively and energetic main theme. The development section explores various keys and themes before returning to the main theme in the recapitulation. The movement ends with a virtuosic coda. The second movement, marked Largo con gran espressione, is a slow and lyrical adagio in the key of C minor. The main theme is introduced by the right hand and is accompanied by a simple left-hand arpeggio. The middle section features a more complex and dramatic theme before returning to the main theme in the recapitulation. The third movement, marked Allegro, is a scherzo in the key of E flat major. The playful and light-hearted theme is contrasted with a more serious and dramatic trio section in the key of C minor. The scherzo theme returns before a brief coda. The final movement, marked Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso, is a lively and cheerful rondo in the key of E flat major. The main theme is introduced by the right hand and is accompanied by a simple left-hand arpeggio. The middle section features a more complex and virtuosic theme before returning to the main theme in the recapitulation. The movement ends with a joyful and triumphant coda. The Piano Sonata No. 4 is characterized by its grandeur, virtuosity, and emotional depth. It showcases Beethoven's mastery of the piano and his ability to create complex and innovative musical structures. The sonata is considered a landmark in Beethoven's early period and a precursor to his later, more experimental works.

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