Sonate en Do majeur KV 545

About this work

Mozart entered the Sonata in C major K 545 in his catalogue in 1788, describing it as a little sonata for beginners. The label is fair for reading, less so for performance. Its three movements—Allegro, Andante and Rondo—leave steadiness of tempo, clarity of articulation and balance between the hands completely exposed. Every inaccuracy can be heard.

In the Allegro, separate the scales, Alberti bass and singing phrases first. They do not share the same gesture: scales move in groups, the bass stays light and the melody breathes. The Andante requires a regular but never mechanical left hand; listen to harmonic changes to colour the returns. In the Rondo, prepare each return of the refrain at the same tempo despite the more mobile episodes.

A useful method is to record a version without pedal. Uneven notes and clipped phrase endings become immediately clear. Then add brief pedal following the harmony rather than every bar. The three MIDI sequences allow each movement to be located separately, while the complete score preserves their tonal continuity and progression of character.

What the document containsthe complete Sonata K 545 for solo piano;a 12-leaf score in PDF format;3 MIDI sequences: Allegro, Andante and Rondo.The document covers all three movements, although the first is often presented on its own.