RTV repertoire catalog

Beethoven - Sonata No. 9 - Op. 14, No. 1 - Third Movement

ID 4092 · Beethoven, Ludwig van · Piano · Level 7 · Points 75875

Public Domain · Download listed · Match: filters

The finale of Beethoven's Sonata No. 9 is a Rondo marked Allegro comodo. Its returning tune combines a rising melodic shape with broken left-hand accompaniment, then answers itself with quick descending runs. A central passage introduces flowing triplets and exchanges between the hands. Later returns restore the opening material before a compact, emphatic ending.The opening section places the tune in the right hand above gently moving broken chords. The melody expands into octaves and grows louder before a descending sixteenth-note run interrupts it. Short accented gestures and rests complete the phrase. The idea is written out again with changes, and the following passage sends quick descending lines between the hands.Around measures 20-30, trills and a rising run lead into quieter, more separated melodic phrases. Held notes, rests, and lightly spaced supporting chords reduce the movement's continuous motion. A pause prepares another appearance of the opening tune. Its familiar accompaniment returns with it, followed by stronger chords and descending figures in a more chromatic setting.Around measures 45-55, the texture changes as the key signature moves to one sharp. Triplet patterns begin low in the keyboard and continue in the right hand, accompanied by short bass notes and chords. The triplets keep moving through changes of register and harmony. Around measures 60-80, the hands trade portions of these patterns above long held bass tones, and a rising chromatic line eventually leads toward a pause.Around measures 80-100, the four-sharp key signature returns along with the main tune and its broken accompaniment. Descending runs again pass between the hands, followed by trills and quieter melodic responses. The final page develops another statement of the opening idea with sustained and displaced notes, stronger accents, and a stretch of continuous sixteenth-note figures.After a held pause, the familiar accompaniment reappears beneath a lighter upper line. A final descending run is answered by rising notes, and the closing trill leads directly into the last firm chords. The ending is concise, bringing the movement's alternating runs, pauses, and returning melody to a clear stop.Interesting fact: The heading pairs Rondo with Allegro comodo; the word comodo indicates a comfortable manner for the movement's lively pace.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.