Not invented by, but rather named for Domenico Alberti, who used this device extensively in his own keyboard sonatas, the Alberti Bass is a moving figure in the bass or left hand of keyboard music, derived from a three-note chord. It is particularly common in the piano sonatas of Haydn, Mozart, Clementi, Beethoven and Schubert where one can find numerous examples of its use.
For the pianist, the challenge in playing an Alberti Bass effectively is to create a dynamic accompaniment... See More
Not invented by, but rather named for Domenico Alberti, who used this device extensively in his own keyboard sonatas, the Alberti Bass is a moving figure in the bass or left hand of keyboard music, derived from a three-note chord. It is particularly common in the piano sonatas of Haydn, Mozart, Clementi, Beethoven and Schubert where one can find numerous examples of its use.
For the pianist, the challenge in playing an Alberti Bass effectively is to create a dynamic accompaniment which sounds natural and fluid, and which also confirms the intended harmonic effect. Physically, a soft mobile wrist with some lateral rotary movement which prevent the notes sounding dry and monotonous.
