Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1770-1827. Sonatas, piano, no. 32, op. 111, C minor

The Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111, is the last of Ludwig van Beethoven's piano sonatas. The work was written between 1821 and 1822. Like other late period sonatas, it contains fugal elements. It was dedicated to his friend, pupil, and patron, Archduke Rudolf. The sonata consists of two contrasting movements. The second movement is marked as an arietta with variations. Thomas Mann called it "farewell to the sonata form". The work entered the repertoire of leading pianists only in the second half of the 19th century. Rhythmically visionary and technically demanding, it is one of the most discussed of Beethoven's works.