Description
Of the three sonatinas written by Beethoven, the Sonatina in G is the most accessible, appealing and successful. It is a light-hearted, two-movement sonatina which remains almost entirely in the key of G. The B section of the second movement opens in the dominant key of D, providing harmonic motion coupled with beautiful melodic motion in the right hand. Beethoven's craftsmanship is evident in the coda to this movement. Here the opening motif is used to settle expressively on the E-minor chord, recalling the E-minor harmony of the third measure. This provides structural balance and harmonic interest. The Pianist can accentuate this moment by playing the first section of the coda softly and unhurriedly.