Who's behind the notes? Discover Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The Prodigy Who Defined Classical Music
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545, is commonly known as the "Sonata facile" or "Easy Sonata." Here are some interesting facts about this piece:
Composition Date: Mozart composed Sonata No. 16 in C major in 1788. It's one of his later works.
Nickname - "Facile": The nickname "Facile" refers to the piece's relatively simple and accessible nature. Despite its simplicity, it has an enduring popularity and is often used as a beginner's piece in piano education.
Three Movements: The sonata consists of three movements:
Influence on Beethoven: Beethoven admired Mozart's music, and Sonata No. 16 had a particular impact on him. The structure and style of this sonata, in some ways, foreshadow the classical sonata form that Beethoven would later develop and expand upon.
Mozart's Catalog: The K. 545 is cataloged in the Köchel Verzeichnis (Köchel catalogue) as K. 545, indicating its place in the chronological listing of Mozart's compositions.
Popular Culture: The first movement of the sonata has been used in various movies, TV shows, and commercials, making it one of Mozart's more recognizable compositions.
Manuscript Mystery: The original manuscript of this sonata is missing, and the current version we have is believed to be a copy made by Mozart's pupil, Franziska von Jacquin.
Widely Recorded: Sonata No. 16 has been widely recorded by various pianists and remains a staple in the piano repertoire.
These facts highlight the significance and enduring popularity of Mozart's Sonata No. 16, K. 545.