Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 9 "Kreutzer", 4 & 2

Featuring

Lorenzo Gatto
Julien Libeer
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Cultural Impact

Beethoven's popular Violin Sonata Op. 47, the 'Kreutzer' Sonata, influenced literature, notably inspiring Leo Tolstoy's 1890 novella of the same name.

Composition History

The Sonata Op. 47, known as the 'Kreutzer' Sonata, was originally composed for George Augustus Polgreen Bridgetower, a virtuoso mulatto violinist, and Beethoven himself.

Composer Biography

Beethoven, a spiritual child of the French Revolution, is considered one of the first musicians in history to embody the values of the Enlightenment in his music and life.

Instruments

Lorenzo Gatto performs on a violin made by Niccolò Amati in 1682, while Julien Libeer plays a Steinway and Sons D piano.

Compositional Technique

The title page for Beethoven's Sonata Op. 47 describes it as "written in a very concertante style, almost like a concerto," highlighting the violin's indispensable and prominent role.

Composition History

Beethoven's early violin sonatas, like Op. 12, were initially published as "Three sonatas for harpsichord or fortepiano with a violin," indicating the keyboard instrument was primary.