Ludwig van Beethoven, Konzert für Klavier und Orchester Nr. 1 (C-Dur) op. 15, Kadenz zum ersten Satz, Autograph

Cadenza for the Archduke

Beethoven probably wrote this autograph score of the cadenza for the first movement of the First Piano Concerto in C major op. 15 for his pupil and patron, Archduke Rudolph. On both leaves recto in the top left-hand corner, the call number "Beeth. 50" has been written in pencil. It is in Ignaz von Baumeister's handwriting. Baumeister was the Archduke's secretary and at the same time his librarian. In the latter capacity he was in charge of Rudolph's extensive collection of music. The music library contained a printed edition (a reissue with a new title page) of the First Piano Concerto, filed under the call number 50. The cadenza was obviously inserted into this part and was therefore given the same call number. (J.R.)