Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 7-9

Featuring

Zino Francescatti
Robert Casadesus
Ludwig van Beethoven

Did you know?

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Composition History

Beethoven's 'Kreutzer' Sonata was originally commissioned by George Polgreen Bridgetower, a mulatto violinist who was a successful child prodigy and in the service of the Prince of Wales.

Composition History

Beethoven composed his three violin sonatas of Opus 30 in 1802, at the same time as his three solo piano sonatas of Opus 31, and a year before his 'Eroica' Symphony.

Performer Biography

Zino Francescatti and Robert Casadesus were renowned individually as soloists and were also outstanding chamber musicians, forming a musical collaboration that lasted nearly two decades.

Cultural Impact

Beethoven's 'Kreutzer' Sonata is the most famous violin sonata ever written and even formed the basis and title of one of Tolstoy's short stories.

Composition History

Beethoven intended to dedicate the 'Kreutzer' Sonata to George Polgreen Bridgetower, but changed the dedication to French violinist Rudolphe Kreutzer after they quarrelled over a woman.

Critical Reception

Ironically, Rudolphe Kreutzer, for whom Beethoven's famous 'Kreutzer' Sonata is named, did not care for the piece and never performed it.

Recording & Production

This album features three superb mono Beethoven sonata recordings by Zino Francescatti and Robert Casadesus, which are making their long-overdue appearance after being out-of-print for over 40 years.