Beethoven: Three Piano Sonatas, WoO 47

Introduction

The Three Early Piano Sonatas, WoO 47, "Kurfürstensonaten" were composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1782 and 1783, when he was twelve and thirteen years old. Though lacking a distinct musical identity, the sonatas show a certain level of precocity and serve as a precursor to the masterworks he later produced. They are dedicated to the Elector (Kurfürst) Maximilian Frederick.

Overview

Like Mozart's, Beethoven's musical talent was recognized at a young age, and these three sonatas give an early glimpse of the composer's abilities, as well as his boldness. Beethoven was writing in a form usually attempted by older, more mature composers^{[citation needed]}, as the sonata was a cornerstone of Classical piano literature.

The sonatas

No. 1 in E-flat major

1. Allegro cantabile
2. Andante
3. Rondo vivace

No. 2 in F minor

1. Larghetto maestoso – Allegro assai
2. Andante
3. Presto

No. 3 in D major

1. Scherzando: Allegretto, ma non troppo
2. Menuetto – Sostenuto
3. Allegro