Mozart Piano Sonata No. 11, Movement 3

So, if we've established that the first movement was like morning, and the second movement was afternoon- this movement seems like an evening out to me. The first time I heard this a couple weeks ago, I instantly imagined a dance at a dinner party. It's not often that images so clear like this one was come into my mind while listening to music, but it's exciting when they do.

I love the way Mitsuko Uchida interprets this movement, the sort of light, tip-toeing theme smoothly transitions into a grand, happy statement but it still is quite a contrast. My favorite part of this movement, however, is the ending. I love the bubbly happiness that is prevalent in the first movement that mixes with one of the themes from the last movement, and just like the first movement, the sonata ends with a clean, understated cadence. I suppose this is Mozart's way of letting us know that this music is just to be taken lightly. :)
III. Rondo alla Turca

Mozart Piano Sonata No. 11, Movement 2

If we think of the first movement of this piano sonata as a quiet, thoughtful and reflective morning kept to oneself, then this second movement is sort of like the day/afternoon. The happy theme that the movement begins with seems to illustrate the normal, happy interactions with others in everyday life. This theme (don't laugh :P) reminds me of playing pokemon on a gameboy when you are walking around a town and the chipper music is playing in the background.
However, not everyday can be completely pleasant. When you walk through the grassy sections in a pokemon game, you can be called into a battle by a wild pokemon, and the music changes to the battle music. The chipper happy beginning theme of this movement sometimes takes a turn into A minor, perhaps representing a little drama or problem amongst everyday life- but, like a pokemon battle, it isn't major drama and is quickly resolved.

So there you have it- Pokemon: Inspired by Mozart!
Well, just kidding about that.... but you never know...
Again, Mitsuko Uchida with movement 2: Menuetto

Mozart Piano Sonata No. 11, Movement 1

The introspective, yet mainly optimistic feel to this piano sonata is a real treat to listen to. This first movement is played as a theme with six variations that follow it. The main theme which everything is based off of is simple, quiet and reflective.

The first variation is a more bubbly and bright version of the theme and leaves the listener satisfied. The second variation is still more bubbly that the original theme with perpetual sixteenth notes, but keeps the same introspective quality of the beginning. The third variation takes a turn into A minor and is a little darker, but is kept moving by perpetual sixteenth notes again. The fourth variation is similar to the first variation in the fact that is also bubbly, but the fourth variation also sounds very springy. The fifth movement is also optimistic, but also is usually played a bit slower and has the same reflective element from the original theme and sounds more lyrical than the other variations. Now, if we were to combine the reflective quality of the original theme, the bubbly feeling of the first variation and the springiness of the fourth variation- plus a little extra pizazz, I think we end up with the sixth variation which finishes this movement with a simple cadence.

A friend of mine once said that Mozart's music is: simple plus elegant with a touch of fun. I think that this piece of music embodies that description exactly.

Here is Mitsuko Uchida's interpretation of this sonata:
I. Allegretto Grazioso Part 1
I. Allegretto Grazioso Part 2
Please stay tuned for the second and third movements (: