Schenkerian Analysis: Exploring the Exposition Part of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No.15 in D Major, Opus. 28, First Movement

Abstract

This paper uses Schenkerian music theory to analyze the Beethoven Piano Sonata No.15 in D Major, the first movement's exposition part, a crucial element in sonata form. The analysis employs the Schenkerian music theory, which is a method of musical analysis that focuses on the hierarchical structure of music and the relationships between its various components. It outlines the key features of the Schenkerian approach, such as the concept of Ursatz, which refers to the fundamental structure underlying a piece of music, and the prolongation technique, which involves expanding and elaborating a musical idea. Overall, the paper aims to demonstrate the applicability of the Schenkerian approach to the analysis of classical music and its potential to deepen our understanding of the structure and meaning of musical works.