How To Teach Beethoven Sonata Op. 79
Today we’re talking about how to teach the first movement of the Sonata in G Major Op. 79 by Ludwig van Beethoven. This is an energetic movement marked Presto alla tedesca - “fast, in the style of a German dance.” This is one of the easiest Beethoven sonatas, appropriate for upper intermediate or early advanced students.
Click here for my blog post and video all about the EASIEST Beethoven Sonatas.
Editions that I recommended in the video:
For more editions of Beethoven Sonata collections, please visit this post and scroll to the bottom.
Syllabus listings for difficulty level:
RCM Level 9
Illinois AIM Level 11
Jane Magrath Level 10 (Magrath lists the entire sonata as levels 8-10; since this is the hardest movement of the sonata, I am labeling it a her level 10)
Baseline skills needed to play this movement:
G major, D major, and A major chords and scales
Additional major/minor triads and basic 7th chords for development; ability to make expressive choices based on harmonic content
Good fingering choices throughout
Articulation, including sforzandos and 2-note slurs at m.4, etc.
Octave technique
Strong forte dynamics within a lighthearted, yet boisterous, “classical” style - leggiermente
Steady tempo, appropriate tempo for “fast, in the German dance style”
Suggested practice techniques:
Blocking of chords
Slow practice, consistent fingering, truly listening
Accuracy in general; also yellow markers m.5, 56, 127
Comparative practice at similar spots, particularly m.8-10 versus m.130-133
Crossovers - RH sitting on keys, LH jumping freely
Extreme dynamic changes -
color coding on a photocopy
practicing with inserted rests
Grace notes in coda - practice without the grace note first; then play as harmonic 2nd
Balance - blocking, ghost practice
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