28th Annual Student Research Conference
The Unusual Case of Beethoven Op. 14, No. 1: Sonata or Quartet?
Kelsea L. Scott♦
Dr. David McKamie, Faculty Mentor
Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata in E major, Op. 14, No. 1 is unique in that it is the only piano sonata the composer ever arranged for string quartet. The compositional style of this sonata resembles many characteristics associated with string quartet writing, and some scholars have suggested that the sonata might have been conceived originally as a string quartet. However, that cannot be proven conclusively. Beethoven's own words in a letter he wrote to the publishing company, Breitkopf & Härtel, provide insight in regard to this issue. In addition, this presentation will include comparisons between the piano sonata and the string quartet version. It will conclude with a performance of the first movement of the piano sonata.
Keywords: Beethoven, piano sonata, string quartet
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 2-3
Location: OP PERFORMANCE HALL
Time: 3:00