LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827): Canons and Musical Jokes.

Description: One of the least explored areas of Beethoven’s compositions is the miscellaneous sequence of canons, early exercises in counterpoint, mature jokes and jeux d’esprit that he wrote over many years. He composed a two-part canon for the composer Hummel in 1816 and in 1823 one for four voices (written in a tavern) for Count Lichnowsky. He also wrote birthday and Christmas greetings for colleagues and friends, and songs that punned on recipients’ names or poked fun at them. From Graf, Graf, liebster Graf, WoO 101 to Ars long, vita brevis, WoO 170, there are 56 little pieces here totaling 55 minutes. Scads of vocal and instrumental performers.