Piano Sonata in F minor, Op.

57 Appassionata (1807)
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 1827)
Dedicated to Count Franz von Brunsvik
Based in Vienna during this time, interesting to note that his deafness has already begun and is
actually getting worse already.
Dedicated to Count Franz von Brunsvik
Considered to belong to the middle period.
Around the time when he has finally let go of Guilietta Guicciardi; but shortly set his sights
onto one of Guiliettas cousins, Josephine von Brunsvik-Deym
He started sketches of the sonata around 1804.
o Just completed The Triple Concerto Op. 56, and Two Piano Sonatas Op. 53 & 54.
Said to be completed around 1806, but publishing was delayed due to manuscript getting wet
because of storm.
o Sonata and the Razumovsky quartet got wet.
Published in 1807, but the name was not given by Beethoven. Attached by Cranz in a four-hand
piano work published in 1838.

Movement I: allegro assai
Form: does not repeat the exposition: first piano sonata to do this for the sake of continuity
Last Coda section suddenly changes in Tempo, and it sounds like another recapitulation, also
introducing a new material
Makes wide usage of the Neapolitan chord, seen both harmonically and melodically all
throughout the movement.
Exhibits a form of motivic unity. Primary and Secondary theme are quite related, and most of
the motifs used come from the primary theme.
Evidently makes use of the Sturm und Drang, a feature that is probably already a staple at this
time.


Form
Exposition is not repeated! :O
Follows the Sonata-Allegro Form, but divisions of the sections are not as clear cut because
Beethoven makes use of linking measures and elided cadences.


Harmony

Motive