Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47, "Kreutzer"
Ludwig van Beethoven
Work background
Researched classical background
Beethoven wrote this unusually expansive sonata for a performance with George Bridgetower, whose playing helped shape its first appearance. The later dedication names Rodolphe Kreutzer. A slow introduction opens into urgent music in which violin and piano behave like strongly individual partners. A broad variations movement and a driving finale give the sonata a scale closer to a concerto than a modest domestic piece.
A listening guide
Compare how the violin and piano share the same ideas, then change their roles in the variations.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Violin and piano
Composition: 1803
The sonata was first performed with George Bridgetower in 1803; 1804 in the supplied list is not used as its composition year.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Kreutzer Sonata
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 ("Kreutzer") - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 ("Kreutzer") - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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