Sonata in C minor, K457 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

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1 movement - Molto Allegro

Sonata in C minor, K457 was composed in 1784 and is one of the finest piano works
written by Mozart. At that time, Mozart had already been in Vienna for three years
and he enjoyed some success there. Since Mozart seldom saved any money for future
use, he had to earn his living by continuing composing, teaching and performing in
subscription concerts. In those days, without the copyright, Mozart could only
received a single payment if he sold his works. So, the music genius guarded his
manuscript in order to earn as much money as he could. In this way, Mozart played
the premiers of most of his piano works.

The first movement of Sonata K457 is in the typical sonata form. It opens with a
strong and decisive rising arpeggio in the tonic chord, which is answered by a short,
quiet phrase. The forceful opening gesture is then intensified with the left hand
playing the dominant note in octave like timpani playing the tremolos. The music
moves on to a charming melody with the accompaniment of Alberti bass and at the
end of the exposition, the first subject reappears but this time, it seems unfinished,
leading to the development of this movement. The development begins in a rising
arpeggio again but it is now in C major. The subject in the exposition recurs in the
right hand with the left hand playing a series of triplet. The short development soon
ends. The reappear of the powerful rising C minor arpeggio announces the arrival of
the recapitulation. In the coda, the music becomes softer and softer, the strong
cooperation of both hands bring the music to an end. The piece contains a lot of
romantic element such as distinct and sudden changes in dynamic, articulation and
tone colour. It is regarded as the forerunner of Romantic sonatas and we can see that
Mozart had reached a plateau in his expressive power.