Piano Trio, Op. 97 (Beethoven)
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The Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97, by Ludwig van Beethoven is a piano trio completed in 1811.[1][2] It is commonly referred to as the Archduke Trio, because it was dedicated to Archduke Rudolph of Austria, the youngest of twelve children of Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor.[2] Rudolf was an amateur pianist and a patron, friend, and composition student of Beethoven.[2] Beethoven dedicated about a dozen compositions to him.[3]
Piano Trio | |
---|---|
"Archduke Trio" | |
by Ludwig van Beethoven | |
Key | B-flat major |
Opus | 97 |
Composed | 1810 (1810)–11 |
Dedication | Archduke Rudolph of Austria |
Performed | 11 April 1814 (1814-04-11) |
Movements | Four |
The Archduke Trio was written late in Beethoven's so-called "middle period". He sketched out the draft for it in the summer of 1810 and completed the composition in March 1811.[1][2][4] It follows the traditional four movement structure with sonata form in the first and rondo sonata form in the last movement.[4] It also allows for a more prominent part for the piano than previous compositions.[2]