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Piano Sonata No.8, �ʲ��ٳ�é�پ���ܱ�, is one of the most celebrated of Beethoven’s works from the Classical period. It was written in 1798, when Beethoven was 27, and published in 1799.

The work is commonly named �ʲ��ٳ�é�پ���ܱ� due to the tragic and expressive nature of the music. The piece features extreme dynamics and pitch as well as virtuosity, which was very forward-looking for its time. This sonata is often described as being Classic Romantic. This style of composition contrasted with the balanced phrasing of Mozart and �Ჹ����’s music. The term sonata form relates to the structure of the composition.

The work is in three movements:

1. grave-allegro di molto e con brio
2. adagio cantabile
3. rondo-allegro

Sonata form

Beethoven wrote 32 sonatas for piano in total. Sonata form was the most prominent musical structure of the Classical period and is divided into three sections.

Exposition

The exposition has its own structure:

1. first subject
2. main melody 1
3. second subject
4. main melody 2

The second subject is usually in the dominant, relative major or minor key. Between each of the sections there are transition links.

Development

The development takes all of the ideas of the first and second subjects from the exposition and manipulates each idea to sound different, such as a change in pitch. This section moves through lots of different key signatures.

Recapitulation

The first and second subjects heard in the exposition are repeated in this section. However, the second subject is now in the tonic key instead of a related key signature. A coda concludes the movement.

Like many of Beethoven’s compositions, the Piano Sonata No.8 makes great use of short motifs. In another of Beethoven pieces - Symphony No.5 - short motifs are again at the centre of the composition.