In August and September 1816, Beethoven worked on two batches of folksong settings, catalogued by Barry Cooper as Groups X (seven settings) and XI (four settings). Because Beethoven didn’t send them back until February 1817, they are customarily dated as 1816–17.
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Setting of “Sally in our Alley” CFS X/3 (Opus 108, No. 25), 1816–17
This popular song with words by Hugh Carey tells of a wonderful girl named Sally, and best of all, she's nearby, “she lives in our alley.”
#Beethoven250 Day 298
Setting of “Sally in our Alley” CFS X/3 (Opus 108, No. 25), 1816–17
Another performance, not videoed well, but with an appealing warmth and directness.
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Setting of “The Highland Watch” CFS X/7 (Opus 108, No. 22), 1816–17
Words by James Hogg, a welcoming back of Scottish soldiers: “Scotland, thy honours who can stain, they laurels who can rend them.”
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Setting of “Vaggvisa” CFS XI/1 (WoO 158a, No 17), 1816–17
Starting at 1:17 in this video, this Swedish lullaby also known as “Lilla Carl” is sung here by the great Barbara Hendricks.
#Beethoven250 Day 298
Setting of “Wer solche Buema afipackt” CFS XI/2 (WoO 158a, No. 7), 1816–17
Starting at 5:35 in this video, from Jakob Haibel’s “Der Tiroler Wastel” a warning to beware Tyrolean lads “and keep your big mouth shut!”