A short Sonata in D Major for Cembalo

This is a rather short and concise exercise in writing a sonata for cembalo that is playable even for me. It started with a minuet I wrote for a wedding; some improvising on the piano generated the idea for the allegro, and then only a slow movement was missing to have a three movement sonata, a basic structure popular in the 18th century.

The allegro flows happily in 6/8, composed in sonata form; the reprise is slightly shortened so it is not too tedious, but also to have a balanced feel (Exposition: 32 bars; development + reprise 36 bars).

The andante (binary form) provides some contrast by starting out in d minor, modulating to a minor and going back via g minor and F Major to d minor.

The concluding minuet returns to more joyful music with a lively dialogue of left and right hand.

I am considering adding a fast rondo, or composing another sonata concluding with a rondo; not sure about that.

Hi @Willibald!

I like the jovial mood for the 1st and 3rd mov minuets. Maybe you can end the Sonata with a Rondeau?

Henry

Thanks, @Henry Ng Tsz Kiu, for your kind words. I took up your suggestion and tried to compose a fitting end for this set. So without further ado: a draft for a fast-paced 2/4-Presto with the basic structure |: A :| b1 b2 b3 |: A : |: c1 : | c2 |: A :| 

The audio file needs some polishing. Any comments welcome.

Hi @Willibald!

I just check out the 4th movement and it’s a lively nice rondo, I like your B minor episode inviting some contrast. Thx for your update!

Henry