Description
Known as "Rage Over a Lost Penny," though the title is not Beethoven's: it comes from a note written on the manuscript by someone else and adopted as the work's name when it was published after his death. The opus number 129 reflects the order of publication only; the piece is an early one, from around 1795.
In G major and duple time, it is a rondo whose springing theme keeps returning with contrasting episodes between. A restlessness runs through the whole thing, like someone turning a room over in search of a coin, and in places the same figure repeats with great persistence. Over 5,500 notes fill more than six minutes.
Its advanced rating reflects the stamina to sustain fast figuration at length and the technique to keep it light. Forcing the volume to convey rage costs the piece its humour and leaves only roughness. Light, fast and dogged is the manner. Deciding in advance where the repeated figures will be varied keeps the length from telling.
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About the Composer
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Born in Bonn and active in Vienna, Ludwig van Beethoven is among the towering figures in music history, bridging the Classical and Romantic eras. Despite losing his hearing in later life, he continued composing, pursuing innovative forms and intense emotional expression in his symphonies and piano sonatas. His beloved piano piece "Fur Elise" and his 32 piano sonatas remain widely performed. This site includes "Für Elise," the two sonatas of Op. 49, movements from his early piano sonatas, and sets of variations.
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