Sonata No. 8 for Guitar, “Pathétique” (Beethoven)

Description

This is my simple arrangement of “Sonata No. 8” for guitar. It is for beginning to intermediate players of  Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, 2nd Movement. Beethoven wrote the commonly known Sonata Pathétique in 1798 when the composer was 27 years old. It has remained one of his most celebrated compositions. Beethoven dedicated the work to his friend Prince Karl von Lichnowsky. Although commonly thought to be one of the few works to be named by the composer himself, it was named Grande sonate pathétique (to Beethoven’s liking) by the publisher.

I spent many evenings with this piece on repeat as I studied for exams during college. I always had issues studying guitar music playing because my attention would turn to the music instead of my studies. Listening to other instruments allowed me to focus on the material rather than the music (most of the time). I even tried to learn this movement on the piano in college to no avail.

A Little More History

Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, commonly known as Sonata Pathétique, is one of Ludwig van Beethoven’s most famous compositions for solo piano. It was composed in 1798 when Beethoven was in his late twenties and was published in 1799.

The nickname “Pathétique” was not given by Beethoven himself but is believed to have been added by his publisher. The term “Pathétique” comes from the Greek word “pathos,” meaning “suffering” or “passion,” and it reflects the emotional depth and intensity of the sonata.

The Sonata Pathétique consists of three movements:

1. Grave – Allegro di molto e con brio
2. Adagio cantabile
3. Rondo: Allegro

About the Arrangement

This is a fairly easy arrangement of the second movement, Adagio cantabile. It is a serene and lyrical contrast to the turbulence of the first movement, featuring a beautiful melody that unfolds over gentle accompaniment. Written in standard notation and tablature.