Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, commonly known as ‘Sonata Pathétique’, was written in 1798 when the composer was 27 years old, and was published in 1799. Beethoven dedicated the work to his friend Prince Karl von Lichnowsky. Although commonly thought to be one of the few works to be named by the composer himself, it was actually named ‘Grande sonate pathétique’ (to Beethoven's liking) by the publisher, who was impressed by the sonata's tragic sonorities.
This edition is part of ABRSM’s ‘Signature’ Series of authoritative performing editions of standard keyboard works, prepared from original sources by leading scholars. It includes an informative introduction and performance notes.