Beethoven - WoO 47 Three early "Kurfürstensonatas" (1782–3)

 

Beethoven

(17 December 1770 -- 26 March 1827) 

 

WoO 47 Three early "Kurfürstensonatas" (1782–3)

Beethoven at age 13

• No. 1: WoO 47, #1 in E-flat major
• No. 2: WoO 47, #2 in F minor
• No. 3: WoO 47, #3 in D major

 

The Three Early Piano Sonatas, WoO 47, "Kurfürstensonaten" were composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1782 and 1783, when he was twelve and thirteen years old. Though lacking a distinct musical identity, the sonatas show a certain level of precocity and serve as a precursor to the masterworks he later produced. They are dedicated to the Elector (Kurfürst) Maximilian Frederick.

Maximilian Frederick of Königsegg-Rothenfels

 

 

 

Overview

Like Mozart's, Beethoven's musical talent was recognized at a young age,^[2] and these three sonatas give an early glimpse of the composer's abilities, as well as his boldness. Beethoven was writing

in a form usually attempted by older, more mature composers , as the sonata was a cornerstone of Classical piano literature. These pieces have some characteristics that are similar to Mozart's piano works, such as the oscillating arpeggio of the harmony in the left hand in mm. 5-7.

The sonatas

No. 1 in E-flat major

1. Allegro cantabile
2. Andante
3. Rondo vivace

No. 2 in F minor

1. Larghetto maestoso – Allegro assai
2. Andante
3. Presto

No. 3 in D major

1. Allegro
2. Menuetto – Sostenuto
3. Scherzando: Allegretto, ma non troppo