Pathétique Sonata, II. Adagio cantabile

The lyrical slow movement of Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata is one of his most beloved melodies.

The Adagio cantabile from Beethoven's 'Pathétique' Sonata is one of his most singing, serene melodies, beloved on its own for its noble warmth and emotional balance.

It is slow and lyrical rather than fast, but demands refined cantabile voicing, even accompaniment, and controlled tone across a wide melodic range.

• Sing the melody with a smooth legato over the pulsing accompaniment.
• Keep the repeated inner-voice notes soft so they never override the tune.
• Voice the middle triplet section carefully, balancing melody against restless motion.

The accompaniment must support the melody without becoming sentimental or heavy.

Public-domain scores are usually available for this piece. Compare editions for fingering and layout before choosing one.

Public domain availability varies by country. Always confirm copyright rules where you live.