Beethoven’s piano sonata Op. 14 No. 1 is a work in three movements. The first movement opens with a spacious theme that stretches itself upwards through an octave and contrasts with the step-by-step chromaticism of the second theme.
Although not marked as such, the E minor middle movement has the character and form of a minuet, with an intimate trio in the major.
The finale is an amiable rondo (‘comodo’ effectively translates as ‘comfortable’) which finds Beethoven playing with sudden dynamic changes, presumably to maintain the interest of the listener.
Here is pianist Sviatoslav Richter to play this music for you:
