Piano Sonata No.8 ‘Pathetique’ Movement 1 by Ludwig van Beethoven - context

Question 1

who composed this piece?

Answer 1

Ludwig van Beethoven

Question 2

when was this piece published?

Answer 2

• 1799
• classical period
• foreshadows the musical style of the 19th century Romantic period

Question 3

what is a sonata?

Answer 3

• a work in several movements(usually 3/4 movements) with the first movement in sonata form

Question 4

what was this piece written for?

Answer 4

• the new ‘pianoforte’ instrument
• unlike the harpsichord, it could play both loud and soft dynamics - beethoven makes most of this - full of dramatic contrasts

Question 5

what is sonata form comprised of?

Answer 5

• 3 main sections
• exposition
• development
• recapitulation

Question 6

what does ‘pathetique’ mean?

Answer 6

• passionate/emotional