Piano Sonata in B-flat major

An orchestral keyboard

K. 570 begins with a shared line in the two hands before opening into fuller textures. The Adagio and Allegretto then offer different kinds of calm and motion. Dossin describes the sonata’s character in orchestral terms. At the piano, this can suggest contrasting colours and weights, while keeping the individual lines audible. It does not require a permanently large or forceful sound.

At the keyboard

Practise the opening with the hands separately, then together, listening for a single coordinated gesture. As the texture fills out, decide which notes carry the phrase and which supply its background. In the Adagio, leave room for the melodic line to continue beyond each accompaniment figure. Let the Allegretto’s shorter patterns retain their lightness.

Music in this edition

1. Piano Sonata in B-flat major