ECU Libraries Catalog

Beethoven's chamber music in context / Angus Watson.

Author/creator Watson, Angus, 1932-
Format Book and Print
Publication Info Woodbridge : Boydell, 2010.
Descriptionxii, 306 pages : music ; 25 cm
Subject(s)
Contents Context -- Arrival and relaunch in Vienna, 1792 -- Beethoven, pianist and string player -- Amateurs, patrons and professionals -- The spirit of the composition -- 1793-5: three piano trios, op. 1 -- 1796: two cello sonatas, op. 5 -- 1797-8: three violin sonatas, op. 12 -- 1794?-1798: five string trios, op. 3, op. 8, op. 9 - 1795?-1799: chamber music for wind, strings and piano -- 1798-1800: six string quartets, op. 18 -- 1800-1801: two violin sonatas, op. 23 and op. 24 -- 1801: string quintet in C major, op. 29 -- 1802: three violin sonatas, op. 30 -- 1802-3: Violin sonata in A major, op. 47 (Kreutzer) -- 1804-6: in the wake of Fidelio -- 1806: three string quartets, op. 59 (Razumovsky) -- 1807-8: cello sonata in A major, op. 69 -- 1808: two piano trios, op. 70 -- 1809: string quartet in E flat major, op. 74 (Harp) -- 1810: string quartet in F minor, op. 95 (Quartetto serioso) -- 1810-11: piano trio in B flat major, op. 97 (Archduke) -- 1812: violin sonata in G major, op. 96 -- 1815: two cello sonatas, op. 102 -- 1815-24: the late string quartets: background and context -- 1824-5: string quartet in E flat major, op. 127 -- 1825: string quartet in A minor, op. 132 -- 1825- 6: string quartet in B flat major, op. 130 -- 1825-6: Grosse fuge, op. 133 -- 1926: string quartet in C sharp minor, op. 131 -- 1826: string quartet in F major, op. 135.
Abstract A noted violinist and conductor, Watson is particularly well suited for his chosen task: outlining the historical context and character of more than 50 of the chamber works that Beethoven composed during his years in Vienna. Avoiding the pitfalls of becoming too critical or "academic," the author characterizes each composition in general terms only, and does not discuss changing styles of performance. Instead, Watson provides information on a work's historical background and character, and on the musical points of interest in each movement. He pays special attention to the influence of Beethoven's large-scale compositions on his chamber music, and on the composer's increasing mastery of improvisation. Filling a hole in scholarship on Beethoven's compositions, this book will be greatly appreciated by professional and amateur musicians.
Local noteLittle-355002--305131034565-
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 292-296) and indexes.
LCCN 2010564848
ISBN9781843835776 (hbk.)
ISBN1843835770 (hbk.)
ISBN9781843837169
ISBN1843837161

Available Items

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Music Stacks ML410.B4 W265 2010 ✔ Available Place Hold