Exercise: Classical and Romantic

Whilst listening to Beethoven’s first and last piano sonatas (Op2 & Op111) it was extremely interesting to see the developments that Beethoven had clearly made throughout his career.  His first Sonata (Op2), believed to be written for his tutor Hayden, contains many of the stylistic elements that you would expect from a composition written during the classical period.  Throughout the piece, although there are changes in timbre, it is clear to see that a large focus is given to technical perfection of the piece – staying within the boundaries of standard classical tonality.  A sonata form is adopted during Op.2, and we see very distinct movements from the home key of F minor to its relative major Ab.  In addition to this, throughout the four movements of Op.2, although the mood and tempo of each piece changes, a steady and distinct rhythm can be heard through, ensuring that the tonality of the piece remains perfect. 

However, Op.111 provides a large contrast to Beethoven’s 1^st sonata.  Composed close to his death, it is clear to see that this piece encompasses many of the styles, techniques and ideas that Beethoven had accumulated though out his career.  In contrast to Op.2, his 32^nd sonata provides insight into a new style of musical form, focusing on raw emotion and passion.  Written in just two movements, Op.111 moves through an array of emotions and feelings, incorporating tension, intrigue and most importantly, contrast.  Unlike his earlier pieces, the sense of rhythm throughout this piece does not seem to remain consistent, but instead favours large dramatic pauses interrupted by dissonant dominant 7^th chords.  Although Beethoven seems to have moved away from convention in this piece, and ‘fused’ a number of different styles into one piece, there is still a definite feeling of his classical training throughout.   Each different motif, although perhaps seemingly disjointed from the last, individually contains all of the elements you might expect to find in a more classical piece, but it is the very fact that Beethoven has ‘fused’ these very different elements together which creates a real sense of innovation.