RTV repertoire catalog

Beethoven - Sonata No. 19 - Op. 49, No. 1 - Second Movement

ID 4125 · Beethoven, Ludwig van · Piano · Graded · Level 7 · Points 100375

Public Domain · Download listed · Match: filters

The second movement of Beethoven’s Sonata No. 19, Op. 49, No. 1, is a lively Rondo in G major and six-eight time. Its main theme combines short connected figures and detached notes above a bass-and-chord accompaniment. More active minor-key episodes introduce running left-hand sixteenth notes, while a smoother contrasting melody appears over groups of eighth notes. The main idea returns before an extended coda and a sudden loud ending.Main theme: A short pickup introduces the upper melody. Low bass notes alternate with compact left-hand chords, leaving space around the right-hand phrases. The upper part then expands into intervals and chords, with a crescendo followed by a small slowing. A fermata briefly interrupts the pulse before the melody resumes. The episode that follows changes the key signature and moves into a darker register and harmony.Minor-key episode and contrasting melody: High detached notes sound over continuous left-hand sixteenth notes. The upper line includes short ornamental notes, accents, and descending figures, while the accompaniment travels through broken chords. Stronger phrases repeatedly give way to softer ones. A dolce melody then moves more smoothly above left-hand eighth-note groups. Its small graces and turns are set within longer connected phrases. Double-note replies and renewed running accompaniment bring back the more active episode before a quiet return of the main theme.Return and coda: The main material reappears and restores G major. Familiar upper intervals, short lower chords, a slowing, and a fermata lead into a transition with wider shifts in the bass. The smoother contrasting melody returns above the grouped accompaniment. On the last page, the coda recalls the opening rhythm, with quick changes between loud and soft phrases. A broad rolled chord and another pause interrupt the motion. The lower voice briefly becomes melodic beneath moving inner notes, then broken left-hand eighth notes accompany the final upper phrases. Two fortissimo chords close the movement.Interesting fact: A footnote beside the ending specifies that the final fortissimo should arrive abruptly, without a preceding crescendo. This explains the sharp change of volume printed in the last measures.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.