RTV repertoire catalog

Mozart - Sonata No. 16 - K. 545 - First Movement

ID 4200 · Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus · Piano · Level 7 · Points 118500

Public Domain · Download listed · Match: filters

Mozart’s Allegro from the Sonata in C major, K. 545, begins with a clear singing melody above a gently turning broken-chord accompaniment. Its transparent texture soon opens into flowing scales, short ornaments, and exchanges between the hands. This intermediate movement develops even passagework and musical balance: the melody should sound natural and unforced while the accompanying figures maintain a steady pulse.The opening theme uses longer notes that need to remain audible above the left hand. The following scales bring more continuous motion, with small changes of dynamic helping to shape their rise and fall. A contrasting theme appears with quicker accompaniment and short trills. Later, arpeggiated figures pass between the hands, and a longer trill prepares the closing phrase before the exposition repeat.The development introduces darker harmonies and exchanges of quick figures between the hands. The opening theme then returns in F major before the movement works back toward C major. This return gives the left hand more prominent scale passages, so its tone and fluency deserve the same attention as the right hand’s. The contrasting material returns in the home-key setting, and the final chords complete the second repeated section.Practice the melody and accompaniment separately before combining them. Keep the broken chords light, and avoid accenting every thumb note. Work on scales in short, even groups, listening carefully at changes of hand position. For passages that cross between the hands, aim for one continuous line rather than two separate gestures. Learn each trill with its ending so that it leads comfortably into the next note.A distinctive feature is the opening theme’s return away from the home key. Listen for the familiar shape in its new setting and give it the same poise as the beginning. Preserve the contrast between slurred phrases, short detached notes, and firmer cadential chords. A convincing performance comes from clarity and proportion, with the fast notes serving the melody and each repeated section retaining a clear musical direction.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.