Presto con fuoco.

The finale of this sonata is sometimes called La Chass or The Hunt. This movement is again in sonata form, moreover, a sonata-form tarantella, and one of the two greatest pieces of this type ever written for the piano, the other being the finale of Schubert's c minor Sonata, D.958. This Presto is a study in continuous rhythmic patterns, two of which are almost unceasingly used. The first, heard at the opening, is a figure of accompaniment. The second is the "horn" theme made of broken sextolets (six notes played in the time of four notes of equal value) in saltato rhythm ("jumping"; on string instruments, a bowing technique where the bow is bounced lightly on the string). However, the last movement of Op.31 No.3 is caused by the non-stop drive of the rhythm and the elemental appeal of the harmony.

 

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