Piano Sonata No. 32 (Beethoven)
| Piano Sonata | |
|---|---|
| No. 32 | |
| by Ludwig van Beethoven | |
Title page of the first edition, with dedication | |
| Key | C minor |
| Opus | 111 |
| Composed | 1821–22 |
| Dedication | Archduke Rudolf |
| Published | 1822 |
| Movements | 2 |
The Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor Op. 111 is the last of Ludwig van Beethoven's piano sonatas. The work was written between 1821 and 1822, and was dedicated to Beethoven's friend, pupil, and patron, Archduke Rudolf.
The sonata consists of two contrasting movements. The first, in the home key of C minor, is relatively brief, stormy in expression, and notable for its passages in fugal texture. The second movement, in C major, is in slow tempo and consists of an arietta with variations, followed by an extensive coda.
The work entered the repertoire of leading pianists only in the second half of the 19th century. Technically demanding and visionary in expression, it is one of the most admired of all Beethoven's works.