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Structure and dynamics

The structure refers to how the sonata is made up and the dynamics can help control the intensity of the piece.

• Beethoven writes the movement in sonata form, a structure made up of the following sections:

1. introduction
2. exposition - expose the first and second subjects
3. development
4. recapitulation - repeat the first and second subjects
5. coda

Texture

The main techniques used by Beethoven are:

• the introduction is homophonic
• there is melody-dominated homophony from the exposition

Rhythm and metre

The metre is given by the time signature usually found at the beginning of a score and so too can the tempo marking.

• Dotted notes are in the introduction.
• Continuous quavers run throughout - except in the second subject - maintaining drive and intensity, as shown in the following excerpt.

• The introduction is slow, with four beats in a bar.
• Cut common time/two beats in a bar from the exposition.

Tempo

Changes of tempo increase the levels of drama and excitement. Beethoven implemented the following:

• the introduction is grave
• the first subject accelerates to allegro di molto e con brio, which means fast with much vigour

Melody and instrumentation

Melodies can be created by using different features which can affect such things as to how it moves and how it is articulated. Piano Sonata No.8 includes:

• two contrasting melodies in the exposition - the first subject is staccato and rising, and the second subject is more lyrical with longer notes
• the exposition, development and recapitulation are based on these two melodies
• almost full range of the piano used - hands crossed

Harmony and tonality

These two elements can have an affect on the mood that a piece of music creates.

• The tonic key is C minor - a dramatic key.
• The second subject starts in Eb minor when E♭ major - the relative major is expected.
• The development moves quickly through a number of different keys.