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Sonata in A, K. 331: I. Theme

The theme of the first movement of Mozart's Sonata in A major, K. 331, is a graceful tune in 6/8 with three sharps, Octotune grade 4 of 8. Mozart follows it with six variations; the same sonata ends with the Rondo alla Turca.

Play it in Octotune

The opening, as the app engraves it: C♯5, D5, C♯5, E5, E5

At a glance

ComposerWolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
DifficultyBeginner: grade 4 of 8
KeyKey signature: 3 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯)
Time6/8
Tempo56 quarter-note beats a minute, as the app starts it (it can go slower)
Length36 measures, about 1:55
Handsboth hands
Right handC♯4 to A5
Left handE2 to F♯4

It reaches past the staff: see ledger lines explained.

Levels in the app

VersionGradeLevels
Sonata in A, K. 331: I. Theme4 of 8Melody, Melody and bass, Full

Practice notes

Mozart's Sonata in A major, K. 331, from the early 1780s, is famous for its finale, the Rondo alla Turca. It opens not with a fast movement but with a theme and six variations, marked Andante grazioso: gently, gracefully. Octotune has the theme, the tune the variations are built on.

How it is built. The theme is in A major (three sharps, F sharp, C sharp and G sharp) and 6/8: two beats in a measure, each divided in three. The tune opens with a lilting dotted rhythm, C sharp D C sharp, then E. The left hand plays soft two-note chords and broken chords under it. It comes in two halves, each played twice.

The tricky parts

  • The dotted rhythm. Dotted eighth, sixteenth, eighth: a gentle swing inside each beat. Keep it graceful, never jerky.
  • 6/8. Count "1 2 3 4 5 6", then feel just two beats, on 1 and 4.
  • Three sharps. F, C and G are all sharp. The G sharps are the ones most often missed.
  • Soft chords under the tune. Keep the left hand quieter than the right.

Practice plan

  1. The tune alone with the Melody level, in Wait for me, then Play along.
  2. Left hand alone at the Full level.
  3. Both hands at 50% speed, with Loop this measure on the dotted rhythms; then raise the speed a little. It should never feel fast.

Before you start: Octotune's path through Unit 11, which teaches F sharp and chords. The C sharps and G sharps go a step beyond it.

Questions

Is the theme of Mozart's K. 331 easy?

It is a Beginner piece, Octotune grade 4 of 8: slow and graceful, in A major and 6/8. The three sharps and the lilting dotted rhythm are the parts to practice.

What is Mozart's Sonata K. 331 known for?

Its finale, the Rondo alla Turca. The sonata opens with this theme and six variations on it, then a minuet, then the Rondo.

Credits and license

The Octotune team · Updated