RTV repertoire catalog

Beethoven - Sonata No. 2 - Op. 2, No. 2 - Third Movement

ID 4068 · Beethoven, Ludwig van · Piano · Level 6 · Points 46000

Public Domain · Download listed · Match: filters

The third movement is a light, quick Scherzo followed by a contrasting Trio and a return to the Scherzo. Its Allegretto moves in three beats, but the opening’s rests and offbeat gestures keep the phrases from sounding like a straightforward dance. Brief right-hand figures, isolated left-hand chords, and abrupt changes of register create a playful character. The Trio changes the atmosphere with a smoother melody and a more continuous accompaniment. The pickup and measures 1–8 introduce the Scherzo’s first repeated phrase, beginning with a rising, decorated right-hand gesture while the left hand waits. Detached chords then answer between the melodic fragments. Small descending figures and short slurs alternate with rests, leaving audible gaps in the texture. After the first repeat, the pickup leading into measure 9 introduces a moving left-hand line that takes on greater importance beneath short right-hand chords. Chromatic notes and growing dynamics gradually thicken the sound before the writing becomes quieter and more sustained. After a pause, the opening idea returns, and a compact exchange of running figures and chords brings the Scherzo to its close. The Trio shifts into A minor. For these references, its measures are counted separately from the Scherzo, with the opening pickup unnumbered. In the pickup and Trio measures 1–8, a mostly stepwise right-hand melody unfolds over flowing left-hand broken chords, replacing the Scherzo’s interruptions with longer spans of movement. Accents and crescendos give the melody increasing weight. From Trio measure 9, the second half extends the line through changing harmonies and registers, then broadens into fuller chords above an active bass. Its strong ending leads to the printed instruction to return to the Scherzo, restoring the brighter opening character. One easily overlooked detail is the metronome marking in this edition: the dotted half note equals 58. That means one complete three-quarter bar receives each metronome click. Reading it as quarter note equals 58 would produce a very different pace and obscure the movement’s light, forward motion. How to earn points for this piece: 1. Download or purchase the sheet music. 2. Practice the piece carefully. Watch the video example to make sure you are accurate. 3. Record yourself on video and upload it to YouTube. Perfection is not required. A few minor mistakes are okay. 4. Submit a link to your video here for evaluation. We will watch your performance and give you feedback. If you need more practice, we will let you know what to work on and provide additional practice suggestions. You may also submit your video publicly so other users can evaluate it. 5. If your performance is approved, your video will be accepted and you can collect your points.