Piano Sonata No 8 (Beethoven)

Behind the Sonata:

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No 8 in C minor, also called the Pathetique, was composed in 1798 when he was 27. It mixes classical structure with intense emotion and marks a shift in his musical style. The calm slow movement stands in contrast to the dramatic opening and finale. He dedicated the piece to Prince Karl von Lichnowsky. This work played a key role in establishing Beethoven as a serious and original composer.