Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-flat major

I. Lebewohl (0:09) II. Abwesenheit (7:21) III. Wiedersehen (10:50) ~~~ Beethoven’s “Les Adieux” (“Fairwell”) Piano Sonata was completed on May 4, 1809 as Napoleon’s army invaded Vienna. Among the fleeing aristocrats was Beethoven’s sponsor and composition and piano student, Archduke Rudolf (1788-1831). In addition to this Sonata, Beethoven dedicated a handful of other significant works to the Archduke, including the “Emperor” Piano Concerto, the Op. 97 Piano Trio, the Tenth (and last) Violin Sonata, and the monumental choral work, "Missa solemnis". A year earlier in 1808, Napoleon’s brother, the King of Westphalia, granted Beethoven an offer of employment. Determined to keep Beethoven in Vienna, Archduke Rudolf promised to provide the composer with income for the rest of his life, apparently remaining good to his word. ~~~ Read more: http://thelistenersclub.com/2017/09/20/beethovens-les-adieux-sonata-saying-goodbye-in-three-chords/