The 'Habeneck' violin was played by French virtuoso François-Antoine Habeneck, who directed the premiere of Berlioz's 'Symphonie Fantastique' from this instrument.
Instruments
The violin used in this recording is the 1734 'Habeneck' by Antonio Stradivari, made when he was 91 years old.
Composition History
Beethoven dedicated his three Piano/Violin Sonatas Op. 12 to his teacher, Antonio Salieri, and they were published in January 1799.
Critical Reception
Beethoven's Op. 12 Piano/Violin Sonatas received a harsh review in 1799, with the critic feeling 'detained at every moment by hostile thorn bushes'.
Composer Biography
Beethoven studied Italian word-setting with Antonio Salieri, the Hofkapellmeister, from 1793 until at least 1802.
Compositional Technique
Unlike earlier works, Beethoven's Op. 12 Sonatas feature an interweave of piano and violin parts that goes beyond traditional 'soloist' and 'accompaniment' roles.
Composer Biography
Beethoven was an accomplished string player, having played viola in the Bonn Court Orchestra and given viola recitals in his mid-teens.
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