Opus numbers can be misleading. They indicate the date of publication of a piece of music, not when it was written. The two so called ‘easy sonatas’ with the opus number 49 were written between 1795-1798 -around the same time as the 3rd and 4th sonatas- several years before they were published, which was only in 1805. They belong to the eighteenth-century sonatas and not before Waldstein. We know very little about the background of these sonatas. Some say Beethoven had no intention to publish and that they were sent to the printer by his brother Karl without his knowledge. Others do not think that is plausible and that Beethoven could use the money. He must have thought that these two ‘little’ conventional sonatas would not damage his growing reputation as a revolutionary composer and a great piano virtuoso. Both sonatas have two movements, are classical in style and were probably intended as teaching materials. Still great music, though. Young pianists who study these sonatas can learn a lot about Beethoven’s way of  composing and about the classical style. Though unassuming, both sonatas are highly ingenious, the themes very attractive and linked very organically.

The first movement, Andante, of the G minor sonata opus 49 no 1 functions both as an opening and a slow movement. It is very moving and breathes the spirit of calm resignation. Beethoven introduces a new, more horizontal style by using long legato phrases. It’s also beautiful how Beethoven lets the theme come back in the bass in the recapitulation, followed by an 8-bar pianissimo coda. The second movement is a cheerful, funny and very Bachian Rondo (allegro). It is quite difficult for inexperienced pianists.

Sonata sponsored by Eric & Siety van Ditzhuijzen – de Jager