TheaterJones.com: 'Beethoven's Sonata No. 9 in A Major' 'is named for Kreutzer—despite any logical reason.'

George Bridgetower (British Museum) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, with a biography and Works list compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com

Review: Chamber Music International Concert 5 | Chamber Music International | Caruth Auditorium - Dallas

Completely Comprehensible

by John Norine Jr.
published Sunday, April 1, 2012

Dallas — The original dedication of Beethoven's Sonata No. 9 in A Major was meant for the violinist who premiered the work: George Bridgetower, an Afro-Polish virtuoso who lived most of his life in England. However, the two had a falling out after the first performance, and Beethoven (as he is known to do; see the Third Symphony) removed the original dedication  from the work and rededicated it to Rodolphe Kreutzer, a French violinist who was considered one of the top performers of his time. Ironically, Kreutzer never performed the work (or, according to records, any Beethoven sonata), labeling it "incomprehensible." So, what happens in the annals of music history? The work is named for Kreutzer—despite any logical reason.

The work is unusual for the practices of the time. When performed as notated, it lasts over 40 minutes and explores the entire range of the instrument, challenging the violinist. Additionally, the pianist has a greatly expanded role, often taking equal prominence to the solo violin line. The two instrumentalists must be in sync for the work to ride above Kreutzer's charge of incomprehensibility.