Beethoven: Piano Sonata No.7, Op.10 No.3

Introduction

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10, No. 3, was dedicated to the Countess Anne Margarete von Browne, and written in 1798. This makes it contemporary with his three opus 9 string trios, his three opus 12 violin sonatas, and the violin and orchestra romance that became his opus 50 when later published. The year also saw the premiere of a revised version of his second piano concerto, whose original form had been written and heard in 1795.

Structure and Analysis

It is divided into four movements:

1. Presto - cut time
2. Largo e mesto - 6/8 in D minor
3. Menuetto: Allegro - 3/4 in D major - G major - D major
4. Rondo: Allegro - common time

The opus 10 sonatas are usually described as angular or experimental, as Beethoven began moving further and further away from his earlier models. This third sonata of the set is the longest at approximately 24 minutes. It is the only one of the opus 10 sonatas that has four movements. The second movement is famous for its intimations of later tragic slow movements, as well as for its own beauty. It is said that Beethoven expressed his feelings of becoming deaf by writing this movement.