Composer

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Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Sonata

Compose Date

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1783

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonatas (3), WoO 47 Kurfürstensonaten, also known as Elector Sonatas, were composed in 1783 when Beethoven was just 12 years old. These sonatas were not published during Beethoven's lifetime and were only discovered in the 20th century. The three sonatas are in the key of E-flat major, F minor, and D major respectively. The first movement of each sonata is in sonata form, the second movement is a slow and lyrical adagio, and the third movement is a lively and energetic minuet. The first sonata in E-flat major has a bright and cheerful character, with a playful first movement and a tender and expressive adagio. The minuet is lively and dance-like, with a contrasting trio section. The second sonata in F minor has a more dramatic and intense character, with a stormy first movement and a mournful adagio. The minuet is in a minor key, adding to the overall melancholic tone of the sonata. The third sonata in D major is the most virtuosic of the three, with a lively and energetic first movement that showcases the pianist's technical abilities. The adagio is more subdued and introspective, with a beautiful melody that is passed between the hands. The minuet is in a major key, providing a contrast to the previous sonata. Overall, the Kurfürstensonaten are early works that show Beethoven's developing style and technique. They are charming and delightful pieces that are often overlooked in favor of his later, more famous sonatas.

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