The two Rondos op. 51 were written independently of one another and only later consolidated into a single opus by Beethoven’s publisher. The first of these works from 1797 quickly became popular on account of how it combines simple, catchy melody with surprising modulations and expressive, dramatic eruptions within a compact form. With its moderate degree of difficulty, the piece is ideal preparation before embarking on Beethoven’s piano sonatas. Based on her preliminary research for the critical Complete Edition, Beethoven specialist Joanna Cobb Biermann has carefully revised the musical text of the Henle Urtext edition and updated the preface to reflect the latest scholarship.
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