Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen.
(With liveliness and with feeling and expression throughout. Not too fast, and to be performed in a very song-like manner)
There were times when Beethoven gave the performer detailed instructions on how to perform a composition, as you can see above.
Although Beethoven had written nothing for the piano for five years, this Sonata, Op. 90 (1814), has more kinship with the last group of masterpieces written between 1816 and 1822 (Opp. 101 , 106 , 109 , 110 and 111 ) than to earlier works in the cycle.
The sonata-form first movement is virtually single-themed in its adherence to the descending figure of the opening bar.
The codetta leading into the recapitulation is made up simply of eight bars of the notes G-F sharp-E in different rhythmic configurations, culminating in the return of the first subject which itself begins with these notes.
The tempo marking for the second movement (“not too fast, singing”) was designed to counteract the habit of pianists rushing through any movement in rondo form. It is in fact a rather gentle movement, both in its smooth, flowing line and in its predominantly low dynamic level.
When I hear this specific music, itkeeps humming in my mind all day.
Here is pianist Boris Giltburg to play this masterpiece for you:
