24th Sonata, Opus 78, in F sharp major.
Adagio cantabile (4 bars)—Allegro ma non troppo—Allegro vivace.
This Sonata was composed in October, 1809 (considerably later than Les Adieux Sonata, which was published in July, 1811) and appeared for the first time in December, 1810. Thus an interval of five years separates it from the Sonata Appassionata. It was dedicated to the Countess von Brunswick, and the piece was a special favourite with the composer. A delightful feeling of happiness pervates the whole piece, and one cannot help feeling that this cheerful mood drew the composer to the choice of this radiant key. The first four bars form a sort of question to which the succeeding Allegro supplies the answer.
The movements are succinct in form, almost epigrammatic, and whilst very gracious and pleasing, are not hefty for all sorts and conditions of hands. The opening phrase of the Finale is very striking, so, too, is the coda with its wonderful disappointed cadence and its equally marvellous finish. The intricate work of the arpeggios relates it to the E major Sonata, Opus 109, and all the way through it, there is a curious oscillation betwixt major and minor modes.