Mozart Piano Sonata C major K. 545 (Facile)

Who doesn�t know Mozart�s �Sonata facile� of 1788? Yet those who practice this extremely popular piano sonata in C major will realize that it is by no means so �easy� to play. Its nickname does not come from Mozart, but from the title page of the first edition, which was printed only posthumously. No cause for premature celebration, however: in his own autograph catalogue of works, Mozart himself identified it as �a little piano sonata for beginners.�Mozart called his Sonata K 545 �Eine kleine Klavier-Sonate f?r Anf?nger� (A little clavier sonata for beginners) when he entered the theme in the catalogue of his works on June 26, 1788. The Sonata is usually known as the Sonata facile, and it is considered easy to play, ideal for teaching purposes. While this is true, we must bear in mind that Mozart, like Bach and Schumann, maintained the highest standards when writing for students. The third movement, a Rondo, is perhaps the most child-like movement, and the innocently graceful G major Andante is based on a resourceful use of Alberti patterns. Despite its apparent simplicity this movement shows a surprising depth of emotion, especially in the second episode which turns into the minor key.