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
Classical Music | Violin Music
Ludwig van Beethoven
Violin Sonata No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 12 No. 3 Play
Recorded on 07/07/2012, uploaded on 10/06/2012
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
More music by Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 19, Third Movement (Rondo: Allegro molto)
Sonata No. 32 in c minor, Op. 111
Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101
Sonata No. 32 in c minor, Op. 111
Fantasie in g minor, Op. 77
33 Variations on a Waltz by Anton Diabelli, Op. 120
String Quartet No. 11 in f minor, Op. 95, Serioso
String Quartet Op. 131
Sonata for cello and piano in g minor, Op 5, No. 2
Theme and Seven Variations on "Bei Mannern" from Mozart's The Magic Flute, WoO 46
Performances by same musician(s)
String Quartet in a Minor, Op. 132
Piano Trio no.1 in d minor, Op. 63
Serenade for 2 Violins and Viola, Op. 12
String Quartet No. 1, Sz. 40
Sonata No. 2 in D Minor for Piano and Violin, Op. 121
Piano Quartet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 26
String Quartet in g minor, Op. 10
Nicht schnell (I), from Three Romances, Op. 94
Einfach, innig (II), from Three Romances, Op. 94
Sonata No. 2 in D Minor for Piano and Violin, Op. 121
Classical Music for the Internet Era™
The Steans Music Institute is the Ravinia Festival's professional studies program for young musicians.