Beethoven, Ludwig van. (1770–1827) Fantaisie Pour le Pianoforte...Oeuv.77.

Beethoven, Ludwig van. (1770–1827)

Fantaisie Pour le Pianoforte...Oeuv.77.

Leipzig: Breitkopf & Härtel. [1810]. First edition. 13 pages (25 x 32.5cm), lithographed music. [PN]1566, priced at "16 gr.". Later blue paper wrappers, contained in a modern cloth folding box. In fine condition, with a few small tears, expertly repaired, outer leaves on guards. Hoboken 339. Kinsky p. 207.

Completed in October, 1809, the Fantasia for Piano in G minor, Op. 77 is dedicated to Count Franz Brunsvik (1777-1849), who was himself a capable cellist. In this underappreciated work, one senses an anticipation of relaxed Romantic-era fluidity and freedom. Czerny described the Fantasy, Op. 77 as variations "in a mixed form, one idea following another as in a potpourri..." and possibly no other work so reflects Beethoven's tendency toward improvisation. The Fantasy passes through numerous key areas, changes of meter and tempi and following a string of seemingly unrelated vignettes, closes with a self-contained section a half step higher than the fundamental key at the opening of the piece. (6595)

Printed Music Classical Music