The opening melody of Mozart’s Sonata No 16 in C K545 is familiar to many a budding piano student. Mozart himself, in his own thematic catalogue, called it a piece ‘for beginners’; hence its nickname ‘Sonata facile’ or ‘Sonata semplice’.

Playing tips: Firstly, there is never anything easy about playing Mozart! You will need solid articulation for the scale passages, a good sense of phrasing and a lightness of touch (especially in the trills). From the start, make sure that the RH semiquavers (bar 2) tail off nicely and don’t ‘stick out’. Follow the dynamic markings; these will add colour and excitement.

Pedal tips: Add the tiniest amount of ‘invisible’ pedal when a good legato is needed and the pedal will be able to help out.

Graham Fitch offers further playing advice on this piece inside Pianist 119.