The Sonata #8, titled “Pathetique”, hails from the early part of Beethoven’s career: the late 1700s, a time when the traditions of the Classical period were still dominant and Beethoven himself was largely content to compose within these constraints.
For the best part of two hundred years, musicians have debated the true reason for its nickname. Some sources suggest Beethoven himself added the subtitle Pathétique, while others imply it was the work of his publisher, albeit with the composer’s blessing.
The key of C minor – often a perfect vehicle for tragic, deeply emotive music – is Beethoven’s key of choice here, leading many to believe it was directly inspired by Mozart’s Piano Sonata No.14, composed in the same key less than two decades previously.
While there might be links, many of these are arguably tenuous. The music is undeniably Beethoven’s, and shows a young composer already thoroughly at ease with the concept of sonata form and clearly able to use it to convey deep meaning.
Listen now to a wonderful interpretation by pianist Krystian Zimerman. Watch especially at 11:06 which is the start of the second movement:
