Piano Sonata in A minor

Strength without heaviness

K. 310 places an Allegro maestoso and a Presto around an Andante cantabile con espressione. The inspected openings show strongly profiled chords in the first movement, a more singing middle movement and a restless finale. Dossin emphasises the dramatic demands of this sonata. Contrast therefore needs planning: a forceful opening should leave room for a genuine change of voice in the Andante.

At the keyboard

Try the opening rhythm without increasing its volume each time it returns. Listen for the difference between firmness and heaviness. In the Andante, play a melodic phrase alone and retain its direction when adding the accompaniment. For the Presto, practise a short pattern until its pulse feels secure, then reconnect it to the surrounding phrase rather than accelerating it in isolation.

Music in this edition

1. Piano Sonata in A minor