It’s a passionate and sweepingly epic work, but there’s also drama off stage in what is arguably Beethoven’s most loved and performed violin sonata.

Known as The Kreutzer for its dedication to the violinist Rudolphe Kreutzer, lost in history is its original dedication to George Bridgetower, a far more accomplished violinist of West Indian descent and something of a kindred spirit to Beethoven. Bridgetower performed with the composer at the Sonata’s premiere but they fell out spectacularly and his name was removed from the dedication.

But in this corner of the world he is not forgotten, Richard Tognetti seeks to restore Bridgetower’s rightful place in history.

Our seventh film in the ACO StudioCasts series.

PROGRAM
BEETHOVEN (arr. Tognetti) Violin Sonata in A major, Op.47 “Kreutzer”

ARTISTS
Richard Tognetti – Director & Violin
Angela Nica Sullen – Narrator
Kendly Hawkins – Boy
Australian Chamber Orchestra
Poetry by Rita Dove in a concept by Anna Goldsworthy and Eamon Flack.