Three Sonatas for piano (F minor, A, C major) op. 2

In 1792 Beethoven travelled from Bonn to Vienna to take lessons with Joseph Haydn. When his first piano sonatas were published in March 1796 he was no longer a pupil but a reputable composer and a renowned piano virtuoso, particularly after his first (and only) concert tour to Prague, Dresden, Leipzig and Berlin. Haydn not only taught Beethoven composition, he also introduced the young composer into society. In December 1795 he invited Beethoven to play a solo piano recital in one of his concerts. For Beethoven this was a great opportunity. A better way to make himself known was hardly possible. Haydn was one of the greatest composers alive. Performing in one of Haydn's concerts as a soloist playing his own music was a great honour and an indication of Haydn's respect for Beethoven. When Beethoven dedicated his first three piano sonatas to Haydn only three months later, he demonstrated his gratitude for Haydn's public support. (J.R.)