Mozart’s Allegretto grazioso finale from the Sonata in B-flat major, K. 333, begins with a poised, lightly dotted melody. Its graceful opening grows into a substantial movement with lively episodes, rapid passagework, and an extended written cadenza near the end. This advanced finale calls for a broad range of touch: clear articulation, singing phrases, brilliant runs, and confident chordal playing all have a role.

The main theme combines a memorable dotted gesture with short, neatly articulated responses. At first, the left hand supplies a simple pulse; later, broken-chord patterns give the music more continuous motion. Keep the theme’s character recognizable each time it returns, even when its accompaniment or decoration changes. The contrasting passages introduce more flowing melody, quick triplets, scales, and ornaments. Let the larger phrases guide the fingers so that the surface detail does not obscure the direction of the music.

The middle episodes travel through darker harmonies and include a more insistent dotted idea. Lower voices sometimes move beneath held notes, while stronger chords and registral leaps interrupt the lighter texture. A return of the main theme restores familiarity before the movement builds toward its later closing passages. The cadenza then expands familiar material into a more soloistic display, with exchanges between the hands, trills, chordal writing, and sweeping scales. After this extended passage, the opening character returns once more and leads to the final cadence.

Practice the recurring theme for consistency of articulation and balance before joining it to the faster episodes. Triplet figures should fit comfortably into the beat, and rests should have a precise length. In scales and wide leaps, prepare each new position early and avoid pressing harder merely because the passage becomes faster. The cadenza needs a separate practice plan: learn its short phrases and harmonic arrival points, then connect them with enough flexibility to make the long gestures convincing.

A distinctive detail is the marking “Cadenza in tempo.” Much of this passage retains an organized pulse, even though its later flourishes spread across long, unbarred lines and include fermatas. Observe both aspects: keep the measured writing coherent and give the freer gestures a clear destination. The return after the cadenza should feel freshly settled, not merely resumed after a pause. Finish with the same clarity of character that made the opening graceful, allowing the final chords to provide a decisive conclusion.

How to earn points for this piece:

1. Download or purchase the sheet music.
2. Practice the piece carefully. Watch the video example to make sure you are accurate.
3. Record yourself on video and upload it to YouTube. Perfection is not required. A few minor mistakes are okay.
4. 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.
5. If your performance is approved, your video will be accepted and you can collect your points.