Beethoven, Piano Sonata No.5 in C minor Op.10 No.1 (Stephen Kovacevich)

Описание: L.v.Beethoven's Piano Sonata No.5 in C minor Op.10-1, with a theme-and-structure analysis and synchronized sheet music (score)
Performance: Stephen Kovacevich (piano), 1970/12/22, 23 Stereo, Brent Town Hall, Wembley, London
Analysis, Score Editing, Synch: ScoreMan

00:00 Movement 1: Allegro molto e con brio
05:16 Movement 2: Adagio molto
13:38 Movement 3: Finale: Prestissimo


OVERVIEW

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.5 in C minor, Op.10 No.1, was composed between 1796 and 1798 and published in 1798, dedicated to Anna Margarete von Browne, the wife of one of his patrons.
It is the first of three sonatas in Op.10, which together represent a significant step forward in Beethoven’s handling of the sonata form and the piano as a dramatic instrument.
This sonata is compact but highly concentrated, often described as having “fiery” and “restless” energy.
Its key of C minor—later used in monumental works like the Pathétique Sonata (Op.13) and Symphony No.5—already shows Beethoven associating this tonality with dramatic intensity and struggle.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Written during Beethoven’s early Viennese years, when he was gaining fame as both pianist and composer.
By this time, Beethoven had already absorbed the influence of Mozart and Haydn but was pushing the form toward greater drama, dynamic contrasts, and harmonic boldness.
The Op.10 set marks Beethoven’s increasing independence from classical models, experimenting with economy of materials and strong contrasts.

MUSICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Compact Power: Unlike some of his later large-scale sonatas, Op.10 No.1 achieves its force through concision. It’s tightly constructed, without superfluous material.
C minor as “Fate Key”: This sonata foreshadows Beethoven’s later use of C minor as the key of struggle, drama, and defiance (e.g., Symphony No.5, Piano Concerto No.3).
Innovative Spirit: Beethoven’s treatment of rhythm, abrupt silences, and motivic development signal his departure from the elegance of Mozart and Haydn toward a more personal and dramatic style.
It stands as a milestone in the evolution of the piano sonata, balancing early Classical clarity with the stormy intensity that became Beethoven’s hallmark.



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