Beethoven on Board - Sonata No. 5 in C Minor


Prestissimo (1)

Bars 1 - 16

Perhaps due to the fact that Beethoven omitted a scherzo movement at this point, we have a somewhat light-textured opening to this movement, though with a unique colour created from the unison writing. Nevertheless, his temperament does not allow the character to stay the same for long and much contrast is seen within this relatively brief movement. Abrupt changes of mood and dynamics all require careful thought, practice and facilitation within a demanding two-in-a-bar Prestissimo.

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