Beethoven, Ludwig van. (1770–1827)

Trio für Piano-Forte, Violin und Violoncello [...] 97tes Werk

Wien: bei S. A. Steiner und Comp.. [1816/1820]. Titelauflage. Trio für Piano-Forte, Violin und Violoncello. Seiner Kaiserl: Hoheit dem durchlauchtigsten Prinzen Rudolph Erzherzog von Oesterreich &. &. &. in tiefer Ehrfurcht gewidmet von Ludwig van Beethoven, 97tes Werk. Score and parts. 50 pp. (score, oblong format); 11 pp. ; 11 pp. (violin and cello parts, upright format). Unbound. [PN] S. et C. 2582. Engraved throughout. Title with armorial vignette; Preis f 5 - C.M./f 12. Ownership signature of Henriette Einert on the title. Some foxing throughout and soiling at the corners, but intact and overall in near fine condition. Score 12.75 x 9.5 inches (32.5 x 24 cm); parts 9.75 x 12.25 inches (24.7 x 31 cm). A rare copy of the titelauflage of this important work, printed from the plates of the first edition. See: Beethoven-Haus Bonn C97/1. Kinsky/Halm, p. 272-273; Dorfmüller, p. 224; Kat. Hoboken, v. 2, no. 413. 

The Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97 was completed in 1811 and first performed in public in 1814.  Commonly referred to as the Archduke Trio due to its dedication to Archduke Rudolph of Austria, the youngest of twelve children of Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor, it is one of the most beloved works in the trio repertoire. Rudolf was an amateur pianist and a patron, friend, and composition student of the composer, who dedicated a total of fourteen compositions to him.   (15455)


Printed Music
Classical Music