Staff Pick
“Play this - it's great!”
Beethoven's Sonata in B flat major is a really early work that can’t be entirely authenticated. Unusually for this period it has four movements, which is great as he didn’t write any other sonatas for us. The note range is modest as you would expect and there is plenty of interest in the piano part which has a big role, especially in the Polonaise. The slow movement has a stunning theme, the closing theme and variations have some surprises and the first movement is a substantial sonata form movement with plenty of notes for the flute. This is a perfect introduction to the world of one of the greats!
Despite some doubt, the work must be by Beethoven: paticularly in the third and fourth movements, as in all youthful immaturity the individual writing suggests the future master.
‘There are a number of stylistic grounds which suggest this is an early work by Beethoven: for example, the surprising turn to D major at the beginning of the development, or the lengthy development itself. The Polonaise with it’s trio glows with a Mozartian lightness and grace, the slow movement announces ‘Master of the Adagio’ and the merry variation finale would feel perfectly at home in a serenade by Beethoven.’
Difficulty guide: 7-8
Difficulty level, roughly compared to ABRSM exam grades. 0 is total beginner, 9 is advanced (beyond grade 8).
