The third movement of Beethoven's Sonata No. 12, Op. 26, is a funeral march marked Andante maestoso. A repeated dotted rhythm in the right-hand chords stands above low bass notes and rising left-hand figures. The music alternates restrained, heavy steps with louder declarations. A contrasting middle section replaces much of this measured motion with rapid repeated notes and forceful chordal answers. The march then returns and leads into a quiet closing passage.

Opening march: The right hand begins in a low register with short, closely spaced chords. Held harmonies interrupt the dotted rhythm, while the left hand moves upward from deep bass notes. The same rhythmic shape returns with changes of harmony and register. Sudden accents and crescendos increase the weight of the chords. A passage marked dolente briefly softens the texture, placing a more connected upper line above moving lower voices before the march rhythm returns.

Contrasting middle section: The hands begin with rapid repeated groups that swell toward forceful chords. Short answers, rests, and wide changes of register give these phrases a sharply outlined rhythm. The second part continues the repeated-note writing with fuller chords and further exchanges between the hands. Both parts repeat, and the second has separate first and second endings. A quieter final gesture prepares the return of the march.

Return and coda: The opening chords and rising bass figures reappear, followed by the earlier changes of harmony and the dolente passage. The score writes out this return. On the last page, the march gradually gives way to shorter melodic gestures separated by rests. Ascending and descending lines are answered in another register, and the bass settles into repeated low notes. The sound diminishes to a very quiet, sustained final chord beneath a fermata.

Interesting fact: The printed title, “Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un eroe,” describes the movement as a funeral march on the death of a hero.