RTV repertoire catalog

Beethoven - Sonata No. 3 - Op. 2, No. 3 - First Movement

ID 4070 · Beethoven, Ludwig van · Piano · Level 8 · Points 281250

Public Domain · Download listed · Match: filters

Beethoven’s Sonata No. 3 in C major opens with an Allegro con brio that combines a compact, almost conversational theme with brilliant keyboard writing. Short exchanges give way to rushing scales, broken chords, trills, and broad chordal accents. The movement repeatedly alternates quiet detail with forceful passages across a wide register, before expanding its closing section into a cadenza and a final energetic finish. Measures 1–10 introduce the opening idea in the right hand, with paired notes, short slurs, rests, and a relatively spare left-hand accompaniment. The repeated gestures give the opening a clear question-and-answer character. The following passage increases the activity sharply: rapid notes move through both hands, while louder chords and bass octaves make the texture much more assertive. Around measures 27–45, the music turns toward a quieter, darker passage with a singing upper line and flowing broken chords. The hands trade the moving accompaniment and longer melodic notes. A gentler idea marked dolce follows, before scales, repeated chord attacks, and trills restore the brighter, more brilliant sound. The exposition ends with a printed repeat and alternate endings. From the passage around measure 95, long runs spread across the keyboard over sustained bass notes. Around measures 115–125, short rising figures and strongly accented chords answer one another. The texture then becomes quieter before another buildup leads to the opening theme’s return at measure 139. Its familiar paired-note figure reappears, followed by renewed runs and the contrasting melodic material. The closing portion grows beyond a straightforward final cadence. Around measures 220–230, sustained notes and widely spaced broken chords create a quieter, suspended passage. An unmetered-looking flourish of small notes and an extended trill interrupt the regular flow. The opening motive returns around measure 235; the final page then gathers speed and weight through chords and running figures before a firm ending. Interesting fact: This edition prints a substantial cadenza near the end of the first movement, including long runs in small notes and an extended trill. How to earn points for this piece: Download or purchase the sheet music. Practice the piece carefully. Watch the video example to make sure you are accurate. Record yourself on video and upload it to YouTube. Perfection is not required. A few minor mistakes are okay. 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. If your performance is approved, your video will be accepted and you can collect your points.