So it might be overkill to call it one of the most difficult. But if you look at the later ones (Tempest, Appassionata, Hammerklavier, Sonatas Opus 109, 110, and 111, to name a few) are deeper, more passionate, and even more difficult (not that the Pathetique isn't hard. Is the Pathetique really one of the most challenging sonatas? Perhaps out of his first ten or so, yes. However, I do disagree with a number of the assertions you made, as well as the strong language you used to describe Beethoven's emotions. It takes a lot of skill to compose a sonata, but to be able to convey emotion and passion within the sonata requires a deeper understanding of the music itself. By employing a minor key, dramatic tremolos, and the German 6th chord, Beethoven manages to express his deepest fears and emotions to the rest of the world.
In conclusion, Beethoven successfully uses his innovative thinking and compositional skills to convey his emotions within the Pathetique Sonata. Therefore, Beethoven uses the German 6th chord to express the mood swings that he sometimes feels during his periods of anguish and sadness. The alternation between the tremolos and German 6th chords conveys the perception of false reassurance that Beethoven sometimes feels during his depression. However, this “resolution” is false because the sonata continues to build the tension after the cadence. This cadence is often compared to Beethoven’s resolution of his pain and suffering. Since the German 6th chord is always succeeded by the dominant, it provides a fulfilling conclusion to the phrases. By using the German 6th chord in theme one of the exposition, Beethoven develops the foundation of his music which he will later build upon. Also known as an augmented 6th chord, the German 6th is often used by Beethoven and other German composers to enhance the power of their music. Through the use of tremolos in the bass clef, Beethoven builds up tension to express how he never felt at ease due to his loss of hearing.Īlthough it is often debated that Beethoven achieves the solemn mood of this sonata through the use of diminished chords, the true chord that expresses Beethoven’s pain is the dramatic German 6th chord. However, this time, the use of tremolos is subtler and it only appears in short bursts.
Theme two begins with a slightly more cheerful tone but the tremolo effect makes its reappearance in the bass clef again. This creates an interesting harmony and it is enhanced by a grand crescendo that concludes of theme one. As the right hand ascends toward the climax, the left hand ascends in unison as well. It builds the tension in the left hand as the right hand plays ascending chords up to the climax. This tremolo has a major influence over the first theme. Starting from theme one, the left hand plays an quick, alternating pattern from tonic to tonic. The dramatic tension of the Pathetique Sonata is enhanced through the use of tremolos in the bass clef. This pleading and rejection motive is repeated several times before the introduction concludes in a descending chromatic scale which conveys the hopelessness in Beethoven’s heart. However, this innocent pleading is immediately followed by rejection as C minor chords return back in the bass clef. The key of E-flat major gives the sonata an innocent and pure sound. As Beethoven continues to develop his motives, the key transposes the E-flat major and a pleading melody is heard in the right hand. Within the first two bars of the introduction, Beethoven successfully conveys his pain and agony to the audience through the repetition of harsh and bitter chord. The sonata commences with a forte C minor chord which immediately establishes atmosphere of the sonata. The solemn mood of the Pathetique Sonata is demonstrated through the use of C minor in the exposition, which is also the tonic key. Through the use of a minor key, Beethoven develops the underlying mood of the sonata which he would build later upon through ornamental features and accessories. Through utilizing a minor key to damper the mood, dramatic tremolos to build tension, and powerful German 6th chords to express his pain, Beethoven orchestrated an outstanding composition that successfully conveys his pain and sorrow to the audience. This sonata was composed by Beethoven to reflect the pain he felt from his loss of hearing. It not only requires the dexterity and proficiency of a skilled pianist, but also an emotional understanding of the passion behind the piece itself. 13 or Pathetique Sonata is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally and physically challenging piano sonatas of all time. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in C minor, Op. Pathetique Sonata: The Pain of a Deaf Composer
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