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Haydn, Franz Joseph : Sonate für Klavier Nr.55  Mov.1 Allegro

Work Overview

Music ID : 32240
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:sonata
Total Playing Time:8 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (2)

Author : Satake, Natsuki

Last Updated: March 8, 2022
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

This work is the second of the three sonatas (Op. 37) dedicated to Princess Marie Esterházy in 1784. The first movement is in 2/2 time and sonata form. A lively dotted rhythm, used from the beginning, and a soft triplet rhythm, appearing from measure 25 onwards, develop in interplay. The dizzying modulations also add emphasis to these elements.

Writer: Satake, Natsuki

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: April 3, 2025
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

The first movement of this sonata contains many humorous and whimsical developments characteristic of Haydn. Since it is fundamentally an optimistic piece, we will approach it with that premise. Considering this, this type of piece requires a somewhat exaggerated choreography (performance method).

In other words, this piece should not be played with a frown, but rather with a smiling expression (I am well aware that this can be difficult). If that is difficult, I would like you to express it with your arms or your entire upper body. For example, play the dotted rhythms in measures 13-18 as if your hands are dancing on the keyboard, and in places like measure 21, where large chords appear on the second or fourth beat, dramatically raise your left hand high immediately after playing the chord, exaggerating the performance.

By performing with such humorous staging, even visually, you convey to the audience that this first movement is enjoyable. Consider thinking optimistically as the absolute fundamental principle. Instead of aiming to play cleanly, elegantly, flawlessly, smoothly, and inoffensively, aim to play the piece in an interesting, lively, and laughter-like manner, playing the rough parts roughly and the melodic parts melodically, making the piece enjoyable.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou