Mozart wrote many piano sonatas throughout his life, and although the “first” piano Sonata that he wrote was not actually his first, it is the earliest that has been found. A 19-year-old Mozart wrote it, and although you can hear and feel the passion and grace within it, it does sometimes showcase Mozart’s inexperience in composition. In Mozart’s second Sonata, the opening allegro is much more mature and profound. It is much more poetic and profound than the first, and provides a lovely Sonata full of lyrical intonations, with a staunch second movement, that ends with a very light and soft statement. Mozart’s third Sonata is a contrasting piece, with the opening very lively and playful, combined with a solid nobility, Mozart’s third Sonata is truly a masterpiece, and is only the beginning of his masterful craftsmanship.
The fourth and fifth sonatas are delicate, and are somewhat dispassionate. They also show humor and memory, respectively, and both are a stunning celebration in art in its purest form. Mozart’s sixth Sonata is truly a wild range of music, with extraordinary variations from playful to wild, this is truly an extraordinary range of variation, from a solidly maturing twenty-something Mozart. In keeping with the playful and wild feel, Mozart’s seventh Sonata is truly very frisky, and maybe the most magnificent conclusive rondo that Mozart has ever written. The eighth of Mozart’s Piano Sonatas was more emotional than musical, which is what makes it one of the most graceful pieces that Mozart has ever crafted. This freshness continues throughout Mozart’s ninth through 12th sonatas, with hints of Beethoven within them. His 13th seems to be an ode to Bach, with truly eccentric, legendary and graceful movements.
As Mozart matured, so did his sonatas. His 14th was a soft and cool rendition with allegro, and the rondo was very reminiscent of Beethoven. However, in his 15th, it is questioned whether it is really an unfinished piece. Mozart’s 16th Sonata also has six different variations on allegretto, and is sort of like a patchwork quilt. With refinement to abandon, this piece is an architectural delight. Mozart’s 17th Sonata was written “for beginners”. This is truly a Mozart at his best, as the 17th provides everything we have come to expect from Mozart, and much more. His 18th sonata was truly masterful and genius, with a trip through his imagination. His 19th sonata, thought to have been composed for the Princess of Prussia, is truly passionate, moving and concludes with heart-wrenching regret.