Haydn - Piano Sonata in c# minor, first movement (Moderato)

The Exposition, from M. 1-33, modulates from c# minor to E Major, the relative major key. This section repeats twice. Group 1, in c3 minor, goes from M. 1-11. M. 12-33 is Group 2. There’s a small terminative section from M. 31-33, where clear V-I progressions are heard.

The Development section occurs from M. 34-63. It repeats, although the recording I have chooses not to play the repeat. At first this section plays around with themes from Group 2. We are still in E Major at this point. However, by M. 37 it’s clear that Haydn is developing themes from Group 1 as well. At M. 44 the motive from Group 1 is clearly heard, this time heard in g sharp minor (woah). A transitional section, from M. 51-64, occurs, bringing us back to the familiar c# minor key for the return of the exposition.

The exposition is slightly varied, and this time the piece does not modulate from Group 1 to Group 2, but remains in c# minor.

I love Haydn’s cute jokes where he adds in long pauses, creating more tension in the ear and tricking listeners.