Classical Music | Violin Music

Ludwig van Beethoven

Violin Sonata No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 12 No. 3  Play

Yoo Jin Jang Violin
Ieva Jokubaviciute Piano

Recorded on 06/30/2010, uploaded on 10/12/2011

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Beethoven’s first sonatas for the violin and piano were composed in 1798 and dedicated to one of Vienna’s foremost music teachers and Kapellmeister of the Hapsburg court, Antonio Salieri. Beethoven began lessons with Salieri soon after arriving in Vienna. While his lessons with Haydn were short-lived, Beethoven continued his study of vocal composition with Salieri until at least 1802 and possibly even as late as 1809.

The third and last sonata of the op. 12 set is in Beethoven’s heroic key of E flat major. It begins with a jubilant, youthful theme with plenty of imitations between the violin and piano. The second subject is presented first by the violin and again by the piano. Brilliant scales and arpeggios keep the dramatic tension of the movement high.

The central Adagio begins with a lyrical melody in the piano. The violin and piano take alternate turns in presenting the singing melodic line throughout the movement. The Rondo last movement presents a simple folk-like tune worthy of Haydn himself. A playful exchange between the two instruments continues and the movement is filled with overwhelming good-natured fun.     Joseph DuBose

courtesy of the Steans Music Institute

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Steans Music Institute

The Steans Music Institute is the Ravinia Festival's professional studies program for young musicians.