Piano Sonata No. 10 (Beethoven)

2, composed in 1798–1799, is an early-period work by Ludwig van Beethoven, dedicated to Baroness Josefa von Braun.

This phrase is used consistently throughout the movement and subject to a great deal of highly imaginative development through changing harmonies and shifting key-centres.

The entire movement ends with a coda, where, according to Charles Rosen, Beethoven 'decides to normalize the rhythm of the main theme, and make it no longer witty but expressive.'

In his book, The Music Instinct, the science writer Philip Ball[2] singles out this theme as an example of the classic trick of disguising 'one rhythmic structure as another'.

All of these characteristic examples of musical wit show the continuing influence of Haydn on Beethoven at this early stage in his composing career.