Analysis Video on Beethoven's Sonata No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1

Introduction

• Return to analysis videos after several years.
• Focus on Sonata Form and motivic development.
• Overview analysis without note-by-note breakdown.
• Avoid using specific technical terms for phrases due to varying institutional terminology.
• Focus on first movement only.

Beethoven's Sonata No. 5 Overview

• Composed in 1796 and published in 1798.
• Part of Op. 10 set, first of three piano sonatas.
• Beethoven was 26-28 years old.
• Notably in C minor, a significant key for Beethoven, known for its dark, stormy character.
• Related works in C minor: Fifth Symphony, Coriolan Overture, Choral Fantasy, Third Piano Concerto.
• Published in sets for marketing reasons; common practice at the time.

Analysis of First Movement

Exposition

• Starts in C minor, forte, with a big C minor chord.
• Primary theme: triadic, big chords, motivic rhythmic idea.
• Phrase structure: antecedent and consequent phrases.
• Use of diminished seventh chords for tension and drama.
• Transition material involves descending bass line in A-flat leading to F minor.
• Shift to E-flat major for the secondary theme, contrasting lyrical style with angular primary theme.

Secondary Theme

• Ostinato-like left-hand figure, more melodic compared to traditional Alberti bass.
• Scales are staccato, maintaining energy and connection to C minor's character.
• Builds momentum through crescendos and thematic development.
• Uses upper and lower neighbor tones for motivic development.

Development Section

• Begins with C major chord, moves into new theme derived from theme two.
• Modulations through various keys, including B-flat minor and D-flat major.
• Utilizes tension and release, thematic fragmentation, and sequence.

Recapitulation

• Begins similarly to the exposition but leads into F major briefly, tricking the listener before returning to C minor.
• Modulation from F major to F minor indicates return to home key.
• Recapitulates secondary theme in C minor.
• Closing theme and codetta end the movement.

Conclusion

• Highlights Beethoven's skill in motivic development and thematic cohesion.
• Encourages listening for specific motivic elements and understanding of structure.
• Recommends Sonata No. 5 in C minor as accessible for pianists, offering both technical challenge and artistic richness.