Young Beethoven

Sonata Op.14 No.2 Mv.2 L. van Beethoven (1770-1827)

In 1790 there were two 'musical capitals' in Europe — London and Vienna, and a young Beethoven had taken Vienna by storm as a concert pianist and composer. Concert bookings and commissions for new compositions were piling up, and life was very good for a 19-year-old Beethoven. In this morning’s prelude we hear this young Ludwig — like a young otter frolicking in his ocean of music — having entirely too much fun.