Par BEETHOVEN LUDWIG VAN. Owing to severe illness, Beethoven had to wait for over a year after completing op. 109 before beginning work on the second piece in his triptych of late sonatas: the Piano Sonata in A-flat major op. 110. The initial sketches date from summer 1821: the work was completed by the end of the year and appeared in print the following summer – in an edition so riddled with mist…

This latest, classically-flavoured songbook for John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course introduces easy works by one of the greatest composers ever to have lived, Ludwig Van Beethoven. Featuring some very fine compositions, First Beethoven is perfect for pupils reaching parts 2 to 4 of the world-renowned Piano course.These fun repertoire books contain some amazing pieces that have been specially coll…

The 'Eroica Variations'---so-called because they were later re-worked for the finale of Beethoven's third ('Eroica') Symphony, Op. 55---occupy a prominent place in piano literature. Its structural grandeur and the originality and beauty of its piano writing set this work apart. The technical demands are considerable, on par with many other works from Beethoven's middle period. A brilliant finger t…

Par BEETHOVEN LUDWIG VAN. The two Rondos op. 51 were written independently of one another and only later consolidated into a single opus by Beethoven’s publisher. The first of these works from 1797 quickly became popular on account of how it combines simple, catchy melody with surprising modulations and expressive, dramatic eruptions within a compact form. With its moderate degree of difficulty, t…

Par BEETHOVEN LUDWIG VAN. Beethoven’s Sonatas for Pianoforte and Violin are now available at a special set price. The set consists of volume I (BA 9014) and volume II (BA 9015). Beethoven’s ten sonatas for piano and violin, along with those by Mozart, constitute the heart of this classical music genre. Following the lead of Mozart’s late sonatas, Beethoven lets the violin part become increasingly…

Par BEETHOVEN LUDWIG VAN. Many anecdotes surround String Quartet op. 131: Beethoven is said to have considered it to be his finest quartet and of his late period works, the one dearest to his heart. It is also believed that the composer invested so much of himself in it: his ailing health, the social isolation brought about by his deafness and the suicide attempt of his nephew Karl. In addition it…

Par BEETHOVEN LUDWIG VAN. Beethoven completed his String Quartet Op.135 at Wasserdorf Castle in Gneixenhof, where he sought to recuperate with his nephew Karl after the latter?s failed suicide attempt in summer 1826. It stands out among his late quartets owing to the often cheerful, almost pastoral character of its four movements. Since Beethoven?s death it has often been interpreted as an attempt…