Beethoven Piano Sonata #12 A-flat major, Op. 26, No. 12 - 1. Andante by Daniel Barenboim

The structure of the sonata is unconventional in that the piece opens with a relatively slow movement in the format of theme and variations. In contrast, the remaining movements of the sonata proceed according to classical principles in fast-slow-fast alternation. The third movement of this sonata incorporates a funeral march, clearly anticipating the watershed of the Eroica Symphony that Beethoven wrote the following year. One can only speculate upon the identity of the hero to whom Beethoven's funeral marches were addressed.
In Schubert's Impromptu in A-flat major, Op. 142 No. 2, the main theme is strikingly similar to the theme in the first movement of Beethoven's sonata. The four-bar phrases that open these pieces are almost identical in most musical aspects: key, harmony, voicing, register, and basic as well as harmonic rhythm. Another less immediate connection exists with the main theme, also in A-flat major, of the Adagio movement in Schubert's piano sonata in C minor, D. 958. Indeed, Schubert may have borrowed these themes from Beethoven, as he often did in his compositions.
This sonata was greatly admired by Chopin, who repeated its basic sequence of scherzo, funeral march with trio, and animated, resolving finale, in his own piano sonata in B-flat minor. His first movement, however, is also animated and in sonata form, unlike Beethoven's Andante con variazioni.

Category:

Music

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• Beethoven
• Piano
• Sonata
• Daniel
• Barenboim
• classical
• music

[EdwardWhelanPiano]

This has a spiritual quality about it. Music for the soul.

[toquepiano]

@46tearsforyou Unfortunately, some composers write music to their own vanity. Also, just turn on the radio to see that there's music meant for the bowels, not the soul. regards

[lampwithbulb2]

This music is..."grande"... in it's purest quality!! :)

[KV4671]

wat ze ook van Daniël Barenboim zeggen voor mij is hij een leraar voor wat betreft de Beethoven pianosonates en ook heb ik heel veel goede herinneringen aan zijn uitvoering van de orgelsymfonie van Camille Saint-Saëns. Een toegewijd mens en musicus is onze Daniel

[HoboSuperstar]

Music is a greater revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. -Beethoven

[DrMVUA]

@toquepiano As far as I understand, Beethoven had a lot of bowel problems. I read a photocopy of a letter he wrote to someone and I think it opens with the line: "Dear _____, I hope your bowels are in good health." If you call any vegetable, the chances are good ... I don't know ... some people just aren't into prunes I guess.

[bulbasaur45]

I lol'd at the music for the bowels.

[46tearsforyou]

@EdwardWhelanPiano all music is for the soul.

[Corrupt5358]

This is really good!

[Bobstew68]

Very nice quality, and an interesting and informative description!