BEETHOVEN'S PIANOFORTE SONATAS
Played by EDWARD ISAACS
Sonata in C Minor, Op. 13 (the ' Pathetique '
Sonata)
Grave ; Allegro di molto e con brio ; Adagio
Cantabile : Rondo (Allegro)
BEETHOVEN did not, as a rule, give names to his pieces, but this Sonata has long been affectionately known by the title ' 'Pathétique,' and none has ever doubted its appropriateness. The Sonata begins with a very solemn, slow introduction, and the first thome, of heavy and tragic import, is like a funeral march. The whole introduction is made up of this first theme, and then with a rush it leads straight into the impetuous main quick part of the movement. Its first theme is made up of two upward striving figures and a drop down to the key note. The second subject, though closely akin, will be easily recognized, and the first part of the movement is in the usual shape. Then, however, there is a departure from tradition. A few bars of the opening slow section are heard again, and there is a new subject in the major before the two principal tunes return in their order. Again at the end there is a brief reminder of the slow introduction.
The slow movement is built up on one of Beethoven's big noble tunes, solemn and majestic, and the Sonata comes to an end with a Rondo whose first theme is heard at the outset. Although in sprightly measure, the minor mode lends it something of solemnity too.