Sonata K. 331: III. Rondo “alla turca”

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart · Level 4 (Intermediate) · Classical · Piano

The finale of the Sonata K. 331 (1783), the famous “Turkish March”: Mozart imitates the bands of the Ottoman Janissaries, with hammered left-hand chords. A keyboard work by Mozart, a model of Classical balance and clarity. A minor, 2/4, 137 bars (about 4 minutes), complete score.

▶ Play this piece with the interactive score

How to practise it

  • Listen first: the site plays it while the score scrolls.
  • Wait mode: the score waits for you at every note, at your own pace.
  • Tempo challenge: play in time, with a score and a map of the bars you got right.
  • The grace notes (appoggiaturas and the rolled left-hand chords) are not written here: add them once the notes are secure, just before the beat. With Mozart clarity comes first: even runs, light left hand, no unnecessary pedal. The piece starts with a pickup: count the incomplete bar before coming in. One hand sometimes plays two voices: hold the long notes for their full value and let the main line sing louder than the accompaniment.

More pieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Source : Mutopia Project · Public Domain