A talented jazz pianist I know, Peter, recently asked this question: Does Beethoven lend itself to being jazzed up? Peter, a lifelong lover of Bach, readily offered up a number of examples of Bach jazzed up, but as for Beethoven, we agreed to do our separate research and get back to each other. We discovered a tremendous display of talent! …
What are the Diabelli Variations? The Diabelli Variations, also called Op.120, are 33 short pieces Beethoven composed, based on a waltz tune written by Anton Diabelli. Diabelli invited a number of composers in Vienna and the Austrian Empire to write variations on his theme for solo piano, that he would publish in Vaterländischer Künstlerverein, in two parts. Part …
Rehearsals of the Third Symphony (Eroica) The first public rehearsal of the Third Symphony was in May or June of 1804, at the palace of Prince Lobkowicz. The room was dedicated to chamber music, but still could welcome at least two dozen of musicians and guests. The Prince offered regular concerts at this place, had his own house orchestra and …
Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 is one of the most important piano works from the composer. It was completed in his middle period in 1804 and in many ways surpasses his previous piano sonatas. The name Waldstein comes from its dedication to his friend and patron, Count Waldstein. Sometimes this sonata is also called as …
Symphony No. 5 in C minor of Ludwig van Beethoven, Op. 67, was composed over many years, between 1804 and 1808. He had the habit of working on more project simultaneously and often put them on halt for longer periods. The first performance of the Symphony was in Vienna’s Theater an der Wien, 1808. The instrumentation of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony …
Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2 (composed in 1802) is often called The Tempest or Der Sturm in German. The name, and the legend, comes from Anton Schindler, who for a period was the secretary of Beethoven. According to his recollection, when asked how to interpret this piano sonata, Beethoven replied, “Read [Shakespeare’s] The …