Mozart’s Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545: Second Movement is a graceful Classical piano movement with a calm, singing character. The music is marked Andante and written in 3/4 time, giving it a gentle, flowing motion. The right hand carries a smooth lyrical melody, while the left hand often provides a steady broken-chord accompaniment that supports the phrase without becoming too heavy.

Measures 1–16 present the opening theme. The melody is simple, clear, and elegant, with long slurs and a soft dynamic marking. The left hand keeps a steady accompaniment pattern, helping the music move forward while still feeling relaxed and peaceful.

Measures 17–32 repeat and develop the opening material. The melody returns with similar phrasing, but the harmony moves through new colors and small changes in direction. This section gives students practice with Classical balance, even accompaniment, and careful melodic shaping.

Measures 33–48 move into a contrasting middle section. The music travels through more varied harmonies and includes more active passagework in the right hand. The character remains graceful, but the phrases feel more exploratory and expressive.

Measures 49–60 continue the middle section with flowing sixteenth-note patterns and gentle shifts between the hands. The left hand remains steady while the right hand shapes longer lines, preparing the return toward the home key.

Measures 61–74 lead the movement to its final close. The music returns to a calmer and more settled feeling, with familiar accompaniment patterns and a graceful final cadence. The ending stays light and elegant rather than dramatic.

Interesting fact: Mozart’s Sonata in C Major, K. 545 is often called the “Sonata facile” or “easy sonata,” but the second movement still requires refined control. Its slow tempo, exposed melody, and steady accompaniment make it a useful study in Classical tone, balance, and phrasing.