Identification of two borrowings from Beethoven in Schubert's Fantasy for Piano four hands, D. 28 (1813) helps explain Schubert's learning process, as well as the later naming of his work. In the middle Allegro Schubert borrowed elements from Beethoven's Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 13 (Pathétique). Schubert's friend, Albert Stadler, later affixed to the Fantasie the peculiar title Grande Sonate, which is similar to the one attached to the Pathétique, to draw attention to that borrowing. In the last twenty bars of the Allegro Schubert borrowed elements from Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57, and even ended his movement, which begins in B flat major, in F minor, the key of Op. 57.

Works: Schubert: Fantasie for Piano four hands, D. 28, Grande Sonate (330-31).

Sources: Beethoven: Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 13, Pathétique (330), Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 57, Appassionata (330-31), Piano Sonata in C Major, Op. 3, No. 2 (331).

Index Classifications: 1800s

Contributed by: Tamara Balter