Piano Instruction: Second Movement, Mozart Sonata in C Major, K. 545 (Video)

In this middle movement of Sonata, K. 545, Mozart emulates the opera with a spun out cantabile (singing tone) melody against a rolling, rippling broken chord bass line.  The tempo, Andante, should not be played too slowly because “Andare” in Italian means to “walk,” which suggests a certain internal motion. Slower tempo designations in music are Adagio, and Lento.

An analysis of harmonic rhythm always goes a long way in assisting phrasing and interpretation. A transition from the Major to parallel minor key, as occurs on the third page of this movement, is particularly poignant. The G Major to g minor change must be a revelation and not passed over or taken for granted.

Similarly, the return to G Major from g minor, should be nurtured with care.

A Coda (added ending) of modest length brings the movement to a close, with the final chords being light and airy.

Piano used: I decided to play this movement on my Steinway 1098 studio upright because it is fairly well regulated. The drawback is a certain brightness that is all pervasive, and the bass register is a bit difficult to control and subdue.

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