RTV repertoire catalog

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

ID 4071 · Beethoven, Ludwig van · Piano · Level 7 · Points 54125

Public Domain · Download listed · Match: filters

The Adagio from Beethoven’s Sonata No. 3 is a slow movement in E major that alternates a quiet, ornamented melody with restless broken-chord passages. The upper line often moves in small gestures separated by rests, while the accompaniment ranges from measured bass notes and chords to widely spaced, flowing figures. Sudden changes between soft and strong dynamics keep the movement from remaining uniformly gentle. Measures 1–10 present the opening melody. The right hand combines short note groups, sustained tones, and small ornaments; the left hand supplies a measured foundation of bass notes and supporting harmonies. The phrase includes pauses and changes in chord color, so the melodic line unfolds in separate, carefully spaced gestures rather than one continuous stream. From measure 11, a contrasting passage in the minor mode introduces rapid broken chords in the right hand. These repeated shapes rise and fall above slower bass notes, sometimes with an additional moving line in the left hand. The right-hand activity remains prominent across the following pages, with strong accents and changes of register interrupting the quieter phrases. Around measures 30–40, the repeated broken-chord figures continue while the left hand becomes more mobile, moving between low notes and a higher register. The dynamics shift between forceful and quiet statements. The texture thins as the passage approaches the return of the opening material at measure 43, where the four-sharp key signature and the original melodic character reappear. Around measures 55–65, the moving broken-chord texture returns and again contrasts with the slower melodic writing. The final page, including measures 70–80, brings back the opening type of short, ornamented phrase. Trills, brief pauses, and strong chordal interruptions appear before the music settles into a quiet close with a small rising figure and a final short chord. Interesting fact: The slow movement uses E major, shown by four sharps, while the sonata’s outer movements are in C major with no sharps or flats in the key signature. 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.