Features of Sonata Form: Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Op. 2 No. 3, 1st Movement

Marek Podhajski

The author aims to present a basic analysis of the classical sonata form, using the example of the 1st movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major. The analysis is based on his own concept of sonata form for teaching purposes: thematic dualism, close connection to the phenomenon of functional harmony, an opposition relationship, and a developmental nature of sonata form, including the phased nature of the process, unidirectionality, and material determinants between components and phases. The author emphasises the division into formal sections, including justification for such division, and characteristics of the respective sections from the standpoint of thematic transformation and harmonic elaborations in piano texture.

Keywords: dualism, opposition relationship, piano texture, sonata form

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22215234

Source(s), object(s) and method(s) of analysis
Source(s) of analysisScore
Year of creation1794-1795
Composer's nameLudvig van Beethoven
Target group / Study level
Level of Music Analysis knowledgeAdvanced, Beginner, Intermediate
Study cycleBachelor

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