Abstract
A sense of absence can be evoked in a piece of music through various means. For instance, the appearance of a musical event may be suggested through certain features while being noticeably obscured by others, or the arrival of an event that is strongly prepared ultimately may be conspicuously thwarted. Such strategies may be witnessed in the second movement of Beethoven's Sonata for Piano in E♭, Op. 81a. Significantly, Beethoven subtitled this movement "Abwesenheit"—that is, "Absence." This subtitle and also the layout of the movement arguably have programmatic implications possibly understandable as relating to landmark events that occurred in Vienna around the time of the sonata's composition.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
