Beethoven – Pathetique Sonata

Question 1

Introduction (bars 1–12)

Answer 1

Rhythm / metre / tempo: Duple 4/4, dotted rhythms (bar 1) – creates solemn, arresting opening.

Melody: Simple rising falling arpeggio (bars 1–2) – dramatic and portentous.

Texture: Homophonic block chords in parallel – underscores gravity.

Harmony & tonality: C minor, slow harmonic movement – dark, stable emotion.

Structure: Opening “statement” – sets mood and thematic groundwork.

Instrumentation: Solo piano — full keyboard register, pedal for resonance.

Question 2

Exposition – Theme 1 (bars 13–48)

Answer 2

Tempo: Fast Allegro di molto e con brio – urgency & energy introduced.

Rhythm: Syncopated semiquaver runs in RH (e.g. bar 15) – propulsion & excitement.

Melody: Arpeggio-based motif in C minor – expressive and forceful.

Texture: Melody-dominated homophony – clear lead with accompaniment.

Harmony: Functional tonic to dominant (C minor to G major) – classical clarity.

Tonality: Strong C minor establishment.

Structure: First subject group outlines exposition form.

Instrumentation: Solo piano – full tessitura with LH accompaniment figure.

Question 3

Exposition – Theme 2 (bars 49–90)

Answer 3

Tempo / metre: Continues Allegro, 4/4.

Rhythm: More lyrical, fewer syncopations – calmer relative contrast.

Melody: Smooth lyrical theme in E♭ major (bars 49–60).

Texture: Melody + Alberti-bass accompaniment – classical clarity.

Harmony: Modulates to relative major E♭ – brightness after darkness.

Tonality: E♭ major marks second subject.

Structure: Completes exposition’s dual-theme design.

Instrumentation: Piano capable of lyrical line, delicate accompaniment.

Question 4

Development (bars 91–160)

Answer 4

Tempo: Maintains tempo; pulse more agitated.
Rhythm: Fragmented motifs, syncopation – increased tension.
Melody: Development of earlier motifs in minor key.
Texture: Polyphonic with overlapping motifs – complexity intensifies.
Harmony: Rapid modulations (e.g. to A♭, E♭, G minor) – sense of journey.
Tonality: Tonality becomes unstable, exploring related keys.
Structure: Central development section – thematic exploration and drama.
Instrumentation: Solo piano handling multi-voiced textures, denser LH chords.

Question 5

Recapitulation (bars 161–238)

Answer 5

Tempo / metre: Returns to theme tempo, 4/4.
Rhythm: Original rhythms from themes return (e.g. bars 166–170).
Melody: Theme 1 returns in C minor, then Theme 2 also in C minor.
Texture: Homophonic, mirrors exposition.
Harmony: Stays in C minor – resolves tonal conflict.
Tonality: Firm return to tonic key.
Structure: Recap re-establishes unity of both themes in home key.
Instrumentation: Piano similar force and balance as exposition.
Reason: Brings tonal and thematic resolution, satisfying classical form.

Question 6

Coda (bars 239–280)

Answer 6

Tempo: Slightly quicker feel in closing bars.
Rhythm: Accelerated semiquaver passageworks (bars 250–260) – drives to close.
Melody: Fragmented cadential figures from Theme 1.
Texture: Dense, leading to emphatic chordal ending.
Harmony: Final perfect cadence in C minor.
Tonality: Conclusive C minor.
Structure: Conclusive wrap‑up, more assertive than exposition.
Instrumentation: Piano full core chords dominate final bars.
Reason: Reinforces emotional drama; grand ending.