Piano Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111
Ludwig van Beethoven
Work background
Researched classical background
Beethoven's last piano sonata has only two movements, but their contrast creates a substantial whole. A turbulent C-minor movement follows a weighty introduction. The second movement turns to C major for an Arietta and variations whose increasingly active surface eventually becomes extraordinarily delicate. The work's close depends on transformation and concentration rather than a conventional fast final movement.
A listening guide
Follow the Arietta's harmonic outline beneath the changing rhythms, trills, and increasingly light textures.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo piano
Composition: 1822 (completion)
The work belongs to Beethoven's final group of three piano sonatas, commissioned in 1820.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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