RTV repertoire catalog

Mozart - Sonata No. 3 - K. 281 - Second Movement

ID 4165 · Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus · Piano · Level 7 · Points 54125

Public Domain · Download listed · Match: filters

The second movement of Mozart’s Sonata No. 3, K. 281, is a gentle Andante in E-flat major and three-eight time. Paired upper notes introduce a flowing melody, and the texture gradually expands into overlapping voices, small ornaments, and broken-chord accompaniment. Its quieter character is shaped by frequent changes of touch and dynamics. The first section repeats, while the later return leads directly to the ending. Opening theme: The melody begins after a short rest, with descending pairs of notes supported by a single bass gesture. The lower hand briefly falls silent, leaving the upper phrase exposed. A more active exchange follows, with held melody notes above a moving inner voice and a fuller bass response. A trill decorates the phrase before rising upper figures appear over rolled lower chords. Triplets and short cadential gestures bring this opening group to a quiet close. Connecting episode: A continuous left-hand pattern enters beneath a more ornamented upper line. Short grace notes, accented appoggiaturas, and small changes of register give the melody a conversational shape. The accompaniment moves through different harmonies while the upper voice alternates between longer notes and quick replies. A brief lower-hand statement prepares the next theme. Secondary theme and repeat: Both hands begin with a related triplet figure, then separate into melody and accompaniment. The upper line becomes more spacious while the left hand maintains a gently moving pattern. Trills alternate with stronger paired notes, and a quicker closing figure leads to the first repeat sign. Return and ending: After the repeat, short upper figures and trills alternate over changing lower harmonies. The principal theme returns with added motion: the right hand decorates its familiar outline, and the left hand briefly takes up a running line. The connecting episode and secondary material return in new registers. On the last page, sustained melody notes and trills again stand over the moving accompaniment. A brief flourish and a quiet, separated cadence close the movement. Interesting fact: When the opening theme returns, its paired-note melody is ornamented with smaller moving notes, so the familiar phrase has a more elaborate surface. 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.