The original edition of the Sonatas Op.12 (1799) bears on the words Sonatas for Harpsichord or Forte-Piano with a Violin on the title page. The order of importance of the two instruments is surprisingly inverted from that to which modern times has accustomed us, but listening immediately reveals that the Baroque tradition of considering the violin as a mere accompaniment has disappeared altogether. In the radiant and vital Sonatas Op.12 Beethoven places the two instruments firmly, and forever, on the same level.

Dedicated to one of his teachers in Vienna, Antonio Salieri, the Sonatas Op.12 were received unfavorably by critics because of their unconventional harmonic structure, but their success with the public was attested by the eight reprints in less than ten years. The style of these Sonatas was something radically new. The great innovations of the young Beethoven’s music were the daring use of the full textures of the two instruments, the frequent dynamic contrasts and the unusual use of sforzatos, all in a perfect architectural construction.

Salvatore Accardo – Violin
Stefania Redaelli – Piano
Maria Grazia Bellocchio – Piano
Laura Manzini – Piano