The Adagio from Mozart’s Sonata in B-flat major, K. 570, begins in E-flat major with a gentle chordal melody and a lightly answering bass. Its quiet opening expands into contrasting episodes with more continuous accompaniment, richer harmonies, and flowing decoration. This advanced slow movement calls for careful voicing and a flexible singing tone. The challenge is to preserve the melody’s simplicity while giving its changing surroundings their own character.

The opening phrase moves through paired notes and small melodic steps, with the lower part responding between the upper gestures. Flowing notes and short decorations extend the line without obscuring its outline. The opening sections are repeated, allowing their balanced phrases to settle clearly. In the first contrasting episode, a more active bass supports dotted upper figures and fuller chords. Keep this increased activity controlled so that it creates a contrast of character without overwhelming the quieter music.

The episodes introduce repeated patterns, changes of register, and passages where held notes and moving voices share the same hand. One repeated section uses first and second endings before a transition leads back to the dolce opening idea. Later material moves into another contrasting harmonic area with flowing lower figures, followed by a further return of the main character. The closing passage continues with small rhythmic gestures and decorative lines before settling into a quiet final cadence.

Practice the main melody first, then add the bass responses while preserving their different levels of sound. When the left hand becomes more continuous, keep its repeated notes and broken chords even. In chordal passages, listen for the top voice and avoid striking every note with equal force. Work through first and second endings as separate routes so that the phrase remains natural on each traversal. Learn quick written figures in small groups, always connecting them to a clear arrival note.

A notable feature is the repeated return of the opening’s gentle character after more active episodes. These returns need a recognizable tone and phrasing, even when the surrounding harmonies have changed considerably. Use the rests and releases to keep the dialogue clear; quiet playing still needs definition. The final cadence should emerge from the preceding phrase with a settled sound. A convincing performance lets each episode broaden the movement’s expression while keeping the listener connected to its original singing line.

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.