The “Complete” Beethoven


#Beethoven250 Day 40
Rondo in G for Violin and Piano (WoO 41), 1793–94

The structure of this short rondo is ABCADA, with the D section in the key of G minor. Despite the introductory information at the beginning, this is a live performance.

#Beethoven250 Day 40
Rondo in G for Violin and Piano (WoO 41), 1793–94

This 1938 recording is by the great violinist Yehudi Menuhin, then 21 years old. On piano is his 17-year-old sister Hephzibah.

On New Year’s Day 1794, Beethoven wrote: “Courage. In spite of all weaknesses of the body, my spirit shall rule. You are 25 years old; this year must determine the complete man — nothing must remain undone.” (He was really just 23, but always confused about his exact birth date.)

Throughout 1794, Beethoven kept fairly secluded and completed little, mostly focusing on long works in several genres and preparing to make a big splash in 1795. That would be the year that Beethoven intended to emerge as a serious composer.