Beethoven's 23. sonata stands out among his piano works, being dark and highly dramatic, with a texture exploring the instrument's sonority to the maximum. It is justly regarded as one of the most difficult of the 32 sonatas, pushing the performer to the limits of what the instrument is capable of in terms of both volume and speed. In stark contrast, the following sonata, in the resplendent key of F-sharp major, unusual for Beethoven, creates an entirely different atmosphere, being throughout lyrical. The short 25. sonata, more reminiscent of a sonatina, is abundant in humor and grace, while being within the reach of non-professionals, clearly one of Beethoven's most accessible works.