Piano Sonata No. 23 'Appassionata'

Ludwig van BeethovenOp. 57

ClassicalFamoussonataF minorAllegro assai6/8~23 min
H8
Henle (estimated)

About this piece

The Appassionata is one of Beethoven's most technically and emotionally demanding sonatas. It is defined by its relentless driving energy and explosive structural development.

Teacher notes

The performer must maintain extreme finger velocity and rhythmic stability during the piece's most volatile and tempestuous passages.

Technical focus

speed-agilitydramatic-contrastlarge-chordsoctave-runsvoicing

Mood

dramaticpassionatepowerful

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Piano Sonata No. 23 'Appassionata'

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Browse all Henle level 8 pieces (Concert) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Piano Sonata No. 23 'Appassionata' (Op. 57) by Ludwig van Beethoven?

Piano Sonata No. 23 'Appassionata' (Op. 57) is rated Henle level 8 of 9 — concert repertoire, roughly diploma level.

What level do I need to play Piano Sonata No. 23 'Appassionata'?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 8 — meaning you can already play level 7–8 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Piano Sonata No. 23 'Appassionata'?

A typical performance of Piano Sonata No. 23 'Appassionata' (Op. 57) lasts about 23 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Piano Sonata No. 23 'Appassionata'?

Piano Sonata No. 23 'Appassionata' (Op. 57) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Piano Sonata No. 23 'Appassionata'?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include 32 Variations in C minor by Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 21 'Waldstein' by Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 17 'Tempest', No. 2 by Ludwig van Beethoven — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.