Analysis of a Sonata-Rondo Form Movement, p. 1
Beethoven, Piano Sonata in C minor (Pathétique), Op. 13, III (BA 263-268)

Introduction

The third movement of Beethoven's Piano Sonata in C minor, Op. 13 ("Pathétique") exemplifies sonata-rondo form, a hybrid scheme that exhibits features of sonata form and rondo form. As such it can be analyzed from both perspectives. A schematic diagram of this movement is shown below. The blue row indicates the structural functions in terms of sonata form. The pink row indicates structural functions in rondo form. The bottom row represents the tonal plan.

Exposition Development Recapitulation
P T--S-- Retr. P   P T--S--Retr. P
A
(Refrain 1)		 B
(Episode 1)		 A
(Refrain 2)		 C (Episode 2) A
(Refrain 3)		 B
(Episode 3)		 A
Refrain 4)
i III---------V i VI_____________________V---- i I ------- V i

 

Listen carefully to the movement while following the score. A QuickTime movies with MIDI sound track is given below.

 

Analysis Procedure

Your first task will be to correlate events with the form diagram above. Begin by locating the various statements of Refrain, the recurring theme in a rondo form. These statements are labeled A in the pink row of the diagram.

The movement begins with the initial statement of the Refrain. Determine the extent of this statement by locating its final cadence.

Refrain 1 ends in m.

Now locate the three additional statements of the Refrain by typing the measure number of their first downbeat
Refrain 2 begins in m.
Refrain 3 begins in m.
Refrain 4 begins in m.

 

One of these statements has a definite ending, but other two do not. Let's deal with the easy one first.

Refrain 2 ends in m.