Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor (Appassionata), Op. 57
Ludwig van Beethoven
Work background
Researched classical background
The Appassionata contrasts a quiet, unsettled opening with abrupt force, wide keyboard spacing, and carefully placed silences. A central variations movement provides a different kind of concentration before leading directly into the finale. Beethoven builds the outer movements from compact ideas that take on increasing urgency. The title is a later nickname, although it aptly suggests the work's extremes.
A listening guide
Listen for the first movement's opening material when it returns over a more insistent bass.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo piano
Composition: 1804-1805 (main composition, source dating)
The cited program note dates the main composition to 1804-1805; publication followed later.
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.
Date, title and version notes
The nickname does not establish a specific story or personal event behind the music.
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor ("Appassionata") - 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. 23 in F minor ("Appassionata") - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.