Piano Sonata No. 11 in A, "Alla Turca"

More than the Turkish finale

Before the familiar Alla turca comes a gently lilting theme with variations, followed by a Menuetto and Trio. The opening Andante grazioso invites a singing line and a clear sense of the two larger beats within each bar. Short slurs, dotted rhythms and the relationship between melody and accompaniment give the theme its shape. Carry that awareness into the variations, even when the surface becomes busier.

Hear the whole sonata

Pianist and teacher Alexandre Dossin recommends studying the complete sonata, rather than treating Alla turca as an isolated piece. Try returning to the opening theme between variations and noticing what changes in the touch, register and rhythm. In the Menuetto, allow the melody to extend beyond individual beats. When you reach the finale, make its compact gestures and changes of character audible without letting speed become the only source of excitement.

Music in this edition

1. I. Andante grazioso
2. II. Menuetto and Trio
3. III. Allegretto