Page:Rolland - Beethoven, tr. Hull, 1927.pdf/186

 This remarkable Sonata, which appeared for the first time in April, 1806, is in two movements only—a Tempo d'un Menuetto, in full binary form (more like a Sonata movement than a Minuet), and a Allegretto con moto (somewhat Etude-like), with a Prestissimo Coda in which the hands very easily get tied up. This Sonata is comparatively little known, doubtless on account of its over topping neighbours, the Waldstein and the Appassionata. Bulow metronomed the opening movement at the quite moderate rate of 104 to the crotchet. The octave bravura subject appears there in its full majesty. The cadenza is noteworthy.

This Sonata, which was dedicated to Count Franz von Brunswick, is perhaps the most truly characteristic of all Beethoven's sonatas. The usual portrait of Beethoven with the massive jaws firmly set, the upturned eyes, the visage lined by suffering, the head of a Titan, might be quite appropriately placed here in the volume of the Sonatas, rather than at the beginning; for with the deep passionate note which sounds ceaselessly