DAILY DOSE of BEETHOVEN (October 26, 2020)
When Joseph Haydn's busy schedule did not permit him to teach his student Beethoven any longer, he recommended him to a famous teacher, JG Albrechtsberger (1736-1809), who taught many of the leading composers of the day. Haydn knew how talented Beethoven was and wrote to his new teacher, "Six months of counterpoint and he will be ready."
Beethoven studied with Albrechtsbeger from 1794-95, and in 1795 produced his first published works, the 3 Trios, Opus 1, with Haydn's support.
Albrechtsberger put Beethoven through the paces, teaching him every aspect of counterpoint, including double counterpoint and tripe fugues. There are some 300 surviving studies by Beethoven from the time, which include corrections by his teacher.
When his studies were completed Beethoven remarked: "Patience, diligence, persistence, and sincerity will lead to success,"
We present here a few short studies Beethoven composed during this apprenticeship.
Prelude and Fugue in C Major, played by string orchestra:
https://youtu.be/8QxrtDQn09E
Fugue in E Minor for string quartet:
https://youtu.be/X7s6omMv3Jk
Two triple Fugues for Four Voices, played on piano:
https://youtu.be/SpzXb0iyI6g
Dona Nobis Pacem:
https://youtu.be/6hn8hDR8CpQ
Although little of Albrechtsberger's music is seldom played today, he must have had a sense of humor, because he composed 7 concerti for Jew's Harp (Jaw harp). Here is the first movement of a concerto for Jew's Harp and Mandora. It sounds somewhat nondescript until the soloist enters at 1:00. See if it doesn't bring a smile 😃: