This Sonata by Beethoven has become one of his most famous compositions. It begins with a slow introduction, something expected more in a symphony than a violin sonata, and the violin has the first notes, echoed by the piano. This chromatic introduction emphasizes the key of D minor, making it harmonically a bookend matching the coda of the finale.
The second movement is an expansive , wonderful theme with four variations and a coda, and there are frequent exchanges between the solo violin and the piano. In fact the title of the piece is “Sonata for Pianoforte and violin obligato” and each of the players has a very equal role.
The light mood of the final movement is actually in A major, and it is in sonata form, though with its own deviations near the end.
Oh, yes: Beethoven dedicated this composition to a violinist by the name of Mr. Kreutzer, but he actually did not perform it…
Here is one of today’s exceptional violinists, Ms. Nicola Benedetti, to play it for you:
