Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor “Tempest”, Op. 31 No. 2: I. Largo – Allegro

L.2 Connect recitative, motion and harmonic direction

Learn Beethoven’s Tempest Sonata, Op. 31 No. 2, first movement only. Compare the Largo gestures with the Allegro writing and follow how their materials return in changed settings. Inspect the source’s pedal and articulation before testing an adaptation on your piano. Rehearse the transition and return landmarks without a run-up; the second and third movements are not part of this lesson.

Ideas

• Sonata form
• Rubato
• Thematic development
• Historical pedal indications

Theory cards

• Testing a long pedal mark
• Tracing a development
• Where the recapitulation diverges

Technique

• D minor cantabile, hands separately: hold one voice while the inner fingers move
• D minor arpeggio in first inversion, hands together, 4 octaves: connect the hand positions