Classical Music | Violin Music

Recorded on 05/06/2009, uploaded on 08/05/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Allegro con spirito -- Adagio con molta espressione -- Rondo: Allegro molto

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 International Music Foundation.