Piano Sonata No. 8, K. 310
Mozart’s only piano sonata in a minor key from this period, written in the year his mother died – harder and more angular than anything you expect from him.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Year
- 1778
- Origin
- K. 310, 1st movement
- Key
- A minor
- Level
- Intermediate
- Keys recommended
- 76
How difficult is it?
Classical writing with no surprises under the hand, but with even runs that forgive nothing.
The real hurdle
The runs must be absolutely even. With Mozart you hear every single note, unlike with Chopin.
How long does it take?
Two to four months for the first movement.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
Gets by on 76 keys. Sparing pedal – transparency is the point.
Instruments that suit it
Casio CDP-S360 EU approx. €450–500Portable digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action II action.
Yamaha CLP-825 EU approx. €1,350–1,650Cabinet digital piano with GrandTouch-S action.
Kawai MP7SE EU approx. €1,400–1,550The stage all-rounder with Kawai’s RHIII feel – favourite of many pianists with stage jobs.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
Free: the historical editions
IMSLP holds the old, public-domain editions as PDFs – free and legal. Engraving and fingering reflect their era; anyone wanting a modern, easily readable edition is often better served by a paid one.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Piano Sonata No. 8, K. 310?
Classical writing with no surprises under the hand, but with even runs that forgive nothing.
What key is Piano Sonata No. 8, K. 310 in?
Piano Sonata No. 8, K. 310 is in A minor.
How many keys do you need for Piano Sonata No. 8, K. 310?
76 keys are recommended.
Who composed Piano Sonata No. 8, K. 310?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1778.
Can you download the sheet music for Piano Sonata No. 8, K. 310 for free?
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
How long does it take to learn Piano Sonata No. 8, K. 310?
Two to four months for the first movement.
If this suits you
Für Elise Ludwig van BeethovenThe best-known piano melody there is – and one of the few pieces almost anyone can start playing within weeks.
Moonlight Sonata (1st movement) Ludwig van BeethovenBeethoven’s most famous Adagio – slow, dark and technically surprisingly approachable.
Turkish March (Rondo alla Turca) Wolfgang Amadeus MozartMozart’s rondo – the earworm everyone wants to play faster than they can.