The Classical period is an important era in Western classical music. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770- 1827) is a representative composer from this period. Beethoven was born in an era of rapid changes in the various European countries, including national systems, cultures, and social structures. Many factors have changed Beethoven’s compositional style throughout his life. From the change of his musical style, we can see the transition from classicism to romanticism. Beethoven’s Piano Sonata no.31, Op.110 is a piece of rationality and sensibility. It is unique in musical form, style, and compositional technique.

This thesis first discusses European history from the end of the eighteenth century to the early nineteenth century from a macro-perspective, as well as focus on Beethoven’s life and the development of his piano sonatas. This will be used as a basis to explore the compositional technique and interpretation of Piano Sonata no.31, Op.110.

This thesis has five chapters. The first chapter is the introduction, explaining the

research motivation and research methods. The second chapter is an overview of European history from the end of the eighteenth to the early nineteenth century, Beethoven’s life, and the evolution of his piano sonatas. The third chapter is the analysis of the composition of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata no.31, Op.110. The fourth

chapter further explores the interpretation of this piece based on the musical analysis in the third chapter. The fifth chapter is the conclusion.