Happy Birthday Herr Beethoven!

Although there’s no authentic record of Beethoven’s day of birth, the registry of his baptism on 17th December 1770 has survived. Since it was custom to baptise within 24 hours of birth, the consensus is that his birthday was the 16th of December.

To celebrate Beethoven’s birthday this year, we’ve created an instalment in our Pieces to Play series featuring a selection of his piano works at various levels and our resources for them.

More Accessible Works

Ecossaises

A lively dance in 2/4 time, an Écossaise is actually the French word for “Scottish”! Click here for a video lesson on Beethoven’s Écossaise in G (WoO 23, Arr. Czerny) or here for the Écossaise in E-Flat (WoO 83).

Sonatina in G (Anh. 5 No. 1)

Although there are some questions as to whether this work is correctly attributed to Beethoven, it offers an excellent opportunity to assimilate essential elements of the Classical style: articulation, balance, ornamentation, and clear phrasing. Click here to view our From the Ground Up edition which provides a step-by-step approach to learning or teaching this piece.

Für Elise (Bagatelle No. 25 in A Minor)

Beethoven’s Für Elise is arguably one of the most popular classical piano pieces of all time – all pianists likely have either played it or want to play it at some point!

In his detailed 48-minute video lesson on this iconic piece, Fred Karpoff gives insights on how to integrate three-dimensional choreography with inspired music-making. Click here to watch a preview of Fred’s lesson and for a free download of his marked score.

Pathétique, Moonlight & More!

In this recording of an online presentation from earlier this year, Julian Jacobson gave insights on approaching four of the more accessible movements from the following Sonatas by Beethoven:

• Sonata No.14 in C-sharp minor, Op.27 No.2 (“Moonlight”) – 1st mvt
• Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 (“Pathétique”) – 2nd mvt
• Sonata No.7 in D major, Op.10 No.3 – 3rd mvt
• Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79 (“Cuckoo”) – 2nd mvt

Click here to find out more or to purchase access to the high quality recording of this event.

“Moonlight” Sonata in C# Minor (Op. 27, No. 2)

Along with Für Elise, this work is one of the most famous pieces written for the piano. Completed in 1801, the name “Moonlight Sonata” was not given by Beethoven but comes from German poet and music critic Ludwig Rellstab who, five years after Beethoven’s death, compared the effect of the first movement to moonlight shining on Lake Lucerne. Click here to view an article on pedalling in this work or here for some tips on how to project the melody.

Advanced Sonatas

Beethoven on Board (Early Sonatas)

Presented by pianist and captain of the Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, this series features detailed walk-throughs for Beethoven’s first five piano sonatas, exploring background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for the complete works. Click here to view blog posts featuring excerpts for each of these works and links to the full video lessons.

Sonata Pathétique in C Minor (Op. 13)

Beethoven’s Pathétique (Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13) is often overshadowed by his more famous works, but it remains one of the most exhilarating and cohesive sonatas ever composed. From its dramatic opening with a crashing C minor chord to the tender Adagio cantabile, Beethoven’s genius shines through, setting the stage for the wonders of Romantic piano music. 

Click here to view a series of eleven video lessons by Graham Fitch which explore each of the three movements in detail or click here for Julian Jacobson’s new lecture series and performance for this work.

Sonata in D Minor “Tempest” (Op. 31 No. 2)

This celebrated piano sonata is a pivotal work in Beethoven’s transition from classical norms towards a more emotive, personal style. The work was written doing a period of creative fervour in which Beethoven grappled with profound despair at his struggle with deafness.

Click here to view Julian Jacobson’s lecture series and performance for this work on the Online Academy.

Sonata in F Minor “Appassionata” (Op. 57)

This famous sonata, written at the height of Beethoven’s powers, was thought by the composer himself to be his greatest, at least till the Hammerklavier. Its mood is almost unremittingly dark and tragic, sometimes violent, yet also sublime and full of pathos. It is Beethoven’s only major work that not only starts in a minor key but also finishes in it, without any hint of comfort and without the typical Beethoven outcome of triumph over adversity.

Click here to view Julian Jacobson’s lecture series and performance for this work on the Online Academy.