Musical Analysis

The beauty of the mere four-bar introduction at the beginning imbues it with an unparalleled emotional depth among his piano works. It is a mid-period work retaining an intimate atmosphere with its two-movement structure. Although the "Emperor" Concerto was published in the same year, Beethoven's chamber music from this period marks the end of the prolific orchestral period, represented by works like the "Fate" and "Pastoral" symphonies until mid-1808, and is situated between the subsequent publications of his Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8. This was also a period when he was dedicated to studying thematic development, and the three piano sonatas following this work are sometimes colloquially classified as the "Cantabile Period." The delicate treatment of the first theme heard in the development section of the first movement, and the development in the second movement, which seems to combine sonata and rondo forms, are captivating. Although its scale is less than half that of the preceding movement, it is permeated by a delicate lightness, making it pleasant. It reveals a different facet from the heroic grandeur typically associated with the "Middle Beethoven" period.

Dedication

Therese von Brunswick, to whom the work was dedicated, was a woman with whom Beethoven likely fostered a lifelong friendship. A portrait sent by her was kept by Beethoven until his death, never shown to anyone, and was later discovered among his belongings along with letters addressed to the "Immortal Beloved," leading to her long being considered the "Immortal Beloved" herself. At the time this work was dedicated, they were engaged, and "a feeling of life surging richly" (Romain Rolland) dominated them both.