Franz Joseph Haydn ： Piano Sonata in B-Dur Hob.XVI:17

Haydn’s Piano Sonata in B-flat major, Hob.XVI:17, is a work that combines a bright, refined sonority with artfully interwoven exchanges of thematic material and shifts of tonality. It is structured in several movements, allowing the listener to appreciate their contrasting characters while enjoying a balanced Classical flow. A particular highlight is the conversational development of short motifs, set against the contrast between light, agile motion and a calm lyrical quality. In performance, the voices in the two hands should be clearly distinguished, while ornaments should be shaped naturally without haste. Rather than exaggerating the dynamics, bringing out rests and phrase divisions highlights the music’s transparency and humor.