Three Sonatas for piano and violin (D, A, E-flat major) op. 12
Listening samples
Dedication
Composition
1797-98
The three op. 12 violin sonatas were published in early 1799. It has often been suggested that Beethoven dedicated them to Antonio Salieri to thank him for the lessons he received in vocal composition. (Planning to write an opera, Beethoven visited Salieri to learn the secrets of setting words to music.) This is probably untrue, for the lessons with Salieri took place after op. 12 had appeared in print. It is more likely that Beethoven used the dedication to attract attention and to obtain Salieri's good will. At that time Salieri was the most important and most influential musician in Vienna. Not only was he the music director at court, he was also president of the Tonkünstler Society (1788-95) and later its vice president. For a young and aspiring composer it was wise to win the support of such an influential man.
Apart from that, Salieri was not the mischievous and begrudging person depicted in the false and misleading anecdotes surrounding the death of Mozart (one of the most successful smear campaigns ever). Contemporaries describe him as kind and helpful. (J.R.)
Apart from that, Salieri was not the mischievous and begrudging person depicted in the false and misleading anecdotes surrounding the death of Mozart (one of the most successful smear campaigns ever). Contemporaries describe him as kind and helpful. (J.R.)
