Composed in 1797.
"The genie is made up of 2% talent and 98% constant perseverance." –L. V. Beethoven.
Info and RegistrationBeethoven's two Op.49 sonatas (really sonatinas) are misnumbered: they were written at around the same time as the 3rd and 4th sonatas, but were published a lot later because Beethoven never intended that they be published (we’ve got his brother to thank that these sonatas are known at all.) Both sonatas are small, two-movement, unassuming pieces, unabashedly classical in style, and constructed rather straightforwardly for (in all likelihood) some of Beethoven’s friends (or their children).
Although it is small, it does not mean that they are not wonderful pieces. Sonata No. 19 has a particularly moving first movement, with a starkly sad first theme and a lyrical second. The second movement is marked with small touches of humor, starting with its rather long rhythm. And while not radically new or groundbreaking, 19 is perfectly written for what it is; an example of the classic two-movement form, concise, elegant, with a naturalness of expression that only the greatest classical composers achieved.
