The Kreutzer Sonata

The Kreutzer Sonata, also known as Sonata for violin and piano No. 9 in A Major, Op. 47, was published in 1802 and has since inspired numerous works. The sonata, known for its broad emotional range ¬- from furious, to meditative and finally joyous and exuberant – was originally dedicated to violinist George Bridgetower who performed it with Beethoven at the premiere in 1802. After a dispute with Bridgetower over the honour of a friend, Beethoven retracted his dedication and subsequently dedicated the piece instead to Rodolphe Kreutzer, widely considered to be the finest violinist of the day. Ironically, Kreutzer never performed it.