Beethoven 1797

AGE 26 - 27 [1797]

Compiled by Gary D. Evans

Last Updated: March 25, 2019 7:01 PM

THE EARLY PERIOD

VIENNA1797 (Age 26-27)

He continued to be supported by several patrons, principally Prince Joseph Franz Lobkowitz, Prince Karl Lichnowsky and Baron Gottfried van Swieten. Beethoven's fame grew exponentially, and increasing numbers of his compositions were regularly published.

Now at the age of 26 years, Beethoven continued performances - being widely known as a remarkable musician. Some of his unorthodox methods were criticized by some and revered by many. Beethoven was seen to have mastered the formal and tonal procedures of the classical era. He was becoming widely known not only as a master pianist but as a major composer. There were many publishers interested in working with him and income increased.

During the summer of this year Beethoven experienced a significant illness - possibly the beginning of his lifelong ailments, including his associated hearing loss.

image from 1801

WORKS CREATED

op 6: Sonata for piano duet in D
op 7: Sonata #4 in Eb	Ded. to Countess Keglevics, a student of his [Man of his word p26?] (early)
op 8: Serenade for viola, violin and cello in D	(early)
op 49 #1 Sonata #19 in g (2 movements)	? possibly composed 1796 ?
op 51#1: Rondo in C
WoO 13: 12 German Dances in D, bB, G, D, F, bB, D, G, bE, C, A, D
WoO 122: Song, "Friegslied der Osterreicher"
Hess 5: Twelve German Dances (see: WoO 13)
Hess 24: Fragments of 2nd movement to Duet WoO32
Hess 87: Piano arrangement of March in bB - WoO 29 for 6 wind instruments.
Hess 276 "Herr Graf, ich komme zu fragen"

IOGRAPHICAL NOTES

DATE
Jan	Beethoven performed at a concert given by Andreus and Bernhard Romberg who were visiting Vienna from Bonn.
Feb	op 5 Cello Sonatas and op46 Adelaide published
Early	op 6 and op 7 Sonatas and op 8 Seranade composed
Apr	Variations WoO 71 published and ded. To Countess Brown (for which Count had given Beethoven a horse which he rode only a few times - see 1796).
Apr 6	1st performance of Quintet op16
May 29	Wrote to his friend Franz Gerhard Wegeler (Anderson#20) that he was doing well with his health improving.
Summer	Serious illness (? resulting in hearing loss?)
Oct 1	Wrote warm notes in Lorenz von Breuning's album as he was about to leave Vienna for return to Bonn: "The truth exists for the wise, Beauty for a feeling heart! They belong to one another. Dear, good Breuning! Never shall I forget the time I spent wioth you in Bonn and here. Continue to be my friend and you will find me ever the same. Your true friend L.v. Beethoven" [Anderson#21
Oct	op 6, 7, 8 published
Oct 20	Lighthearted letter sent to Beethoven's friend, Nikolaus Zmeskall von Domanovecz (Anderson#22), asking him about his criticism of a short passage of music (5 bars) included in the letter.
Nov	Dances WoO 7,8 again used for Ball at the Gessellshaft der bildenden Kunstler - same as 2 years earlier.
Dec 23	WoO 28 'La ci Darem' (from Mozart's Don Giovanni) Variations performed
?	Wrote to Christine Gerhardi (Anderson#23), thanking her for verses she sent to him, written about him (Anderson#23).
?	Wrote again to Christine Gerhardi (Anderson#24) regarding a portrait being portrait being painted of him and of some evidently misunderstood social gesture - his taking off his hat before "Sara", etc.
?	Another lighthearted letter to Zmeskall asking for a bottle fo his Tokay wine (Anderson#25)