Piano Sonata No. 16 in C, "'Facile'"

A clear texture, an exacting balance

The opening Allegro places a singing right-hand melody over broken chords, then turns to flowing scales. Its transparent texture makes the balance between the hands especially audible. Let the accompaniment support the tune without competing with it, and keep the scale passages connected to the phrases around them. The Andante asks for a different kind of concentration, while the compact Rondo brings a lively change of character.

Finding the Andante’s longer pulse

In his lesson on this movement, pianist Robert Estrin recommends hearing the larger pulse rather than every accompaniment note. Try playing the melody alone and noticing where it is going. Restore the left hand softly, then listen for the same unbroken direction. A slower practice tempo can help with coordination; it need not turn each small note into a separate musical event.

Music in this edition

1. I. Allegro
2. II. Andante
3. III. Rondo