The bumpy relationship between Beethoven and Haydn
Haydn and Beethoven didn’t always get along, but their animosity is often exaggerated by musicologists. After all, we like to pick a side. But in reality things weren’t all that bad; if they were, Beethoven would never have dedicated his first three piano sonatas to Haydn. Opus 2 no. 3 is romantic, innovative and so technically demanding that it is impossible to perform for most amateurs.
Beethoven was present at the birth of a new string quartet by Haydn, op. 74 no. 3, ‘Reiter’, intended for his second concert trip to London. He probably played the alto part during the playthrough, and paid particular attention to the wondrously beautiful slow part of the piece. This profound piece of music served as a breeding ground for his later works. The piece is also very effective as an arrangement for fortepiano.
Ludwig van Beethoven: Pianosonata in C Major Op. 2/3
Richard Goode, piano
Joseph Haydn: String Quartet in G Minor Op. 74/3
Auryn Quartett
Joseph Haydn: arrangement of the largo assai from String Quartet Op. 74/3
Bart van Oort, fortepiano
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