Piano Sonata in D major

Energy and a singing line

The Allegro con spirito sets a brisk character, the Andante con espressione invites a more singing touch, and the Rondo closes the sonata in a lilting 6/8. Try playing the Andante melody alone first; its shape can guide the balance once you add the accompaniment.

The Rondo’s return

The Rondo includes an unbarred cadenza with a rapid chromatic flourish. Practise the flourish in short groups and rehearse the upbeat that leads back into measured time. When you join the two, listen for the return of the larger two-beat pulse.

Music in this edition

1. Piano Sonata in D major