About the piece
The Sonata in C minor Op. 13 was published in 1799 as Grande sonate pathétique. The second movement, in A-flat major, is the calm between two dramatic movements.
The special difficulty is that the right hand plays both the melody and part of the accompaniment, bringing the melody out.
How to practise it
- First play only the melody (the top notes of the right hand), singing it.
- Add the right-hand accompaniment very softly, then the left hand.
- Hold the long notes for their full value: it is a cantabile.
- The theme returns three times: learn the first one well and the others will follow.
Free sheet music
First page. Complete sheet music (PDF) on the Mutopia Project (public domain, edition by Chris Sawer); in the Piano Learning app you read it two pages side by side while you play.
Frequently asked questions
What level do I need?
Intermediate: the notes aren't fast, but balancing melody and accompaniment in one hand takes practice.
Why “Pathétique”?
The title, printed in the first edition, refers to the dramatic, passionate character of the sonata.