Sonatina in C, Op. 36 No. 1: II. Andante
The Andante, the slow middle movement of Clementi's Sonatina in C, Op. 36 No. 1 (1797), is in F major and 3/4, Octotune grade 4 of 8: a singing right-hand tune over broken chords in triplets.
At a glance
| Composer | Muzio Clementi (1752–1832) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner: grade 4 of 8 |
| Key | Key signature: 1 flat (B♭) |
| Time | 3/4 |
| Tempo | 92 quarter-note beats a minute, as the app starts it (it can go slower) |
| Length | 26 measures, about 51 seconds |
| Hands | both hands |
| Right hand | C4 to A5 |
| Left hand | C2 to D4 |
It reaches past the staff: see ledger lines explained.
Levels in the app
| Version | Grade | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Sonatina in C, Op. 36 No. 1: II. Andante | 4 of 8 | Melody, Melody and bass, Full |
Practice notes
The slow movement of Muzio Clementi's Sonatina in C, Op. 36 No. 1, first published in 1797 and one of the most played teaching pieces there is. It moves to F major (one flat, B flat), and it is marked Andante: at a walking pace.
How it is built. The right hand sings a gentle tune, starting on long notes, C, F, then A, and later moving in triplets of its own; here and there it adds a second note. The left hand plays broken chords in triplets the whole way through: F A C, F A C, three notes to each beat, like a slow harp.
The tricky parts
- Triplets. Three even notes to every beat. Count "1-trip-let 2-trip-let 3-trip-let" until it feels natural.
- Soft accompaniment. The left hand is busier than the right, so it must be quieter.
- Changing chords. Each measure or two, the broken chord changes. Read it as one shape.
- Accidentals. B naturals appear as the music visits C major, and a few others.
Practice plan
- Left hand alone in Wait for me, then in Play along at 60% speed, until the triplets flow.
- Right hand alone, singing.
- Both hands slowly, the tune above the triplets; then raise the speed.
The whole sonatina: the Allegro before it, and the Vivace after.
Before you start: Octotune's path through Unit 10, which teaches F major's B flat.
Questions
Is the Andante of Clementi's Op. 36 No. 1 easy?
It is a Beginner piece, Octotune grade 4 of 8, like the other two movements. The tune is simple; the work is in the left hand's triplets, which must stay soft and even.
Credits and license
- Music: Muzio Clementi (1752–1832)
- Typeset by Brian D. Rude for the Mutopia Project
- License: Public Domain
- Source and printable sheet music: the Mutopia Project’s page for this piece