Beethoven Sonata No.32 In C Minor, Op.111: I. Maestoso-Allegro Con Brio E Appassionato
The Piano Sonata Op.111 No.32 is the last of Beethoven's piano sonatas. Like the other "late period" sonatas (Op.109 and Op.110), it contains fugal elements and is technically very demanding. Written between 1821 and 1822, the first theme of the Allegro ed Appassionato was found in a draft dating 1801-1802, contemporary to his Second Symphony. This could be this is the reason why, for the first time, the piano Sonata is transcending to a more polyphonic and orchestral composing style.
Furthermore, for the very first time the Sonata is only in two highly contrasting movements: the first movement, in C minor, is stormy and full of passion; the second movement, in C Major,is instead peaceful and full of joy. Organized in a set of variations with a short interlude and final coda, it has a third variation of such an unexpectedly modern rhythm that is often referred to as the "boogie-woogie variation". It concludes with a very long trilling variation of such an ethereal pure melody that with its demanding technicality brings the performer and the audience to the transcendence.
The strong contrast between these two movements, with the triumph of Major over minor, of optimism over drama, of transcendence over passion, makes the Op.111 to be considered Beethoven’s testament to his composing research in the meaning of Life.