Violin Sonata No. 10 (Beethoven)

96, by Ludwig van Beethoven was written in 1812, published in 1816, and dedicated to Beethoven's pupil Archduke Rudolph Johannes Joseph Rainier of Austria, who gave its first performance, together with the violinist Pierre Rode.

Shortly before completing the work, Beethoven wrote to the Archduke Rudolph “… I did not make great haste in the last movement for the sake of mere punctuality, the more because, in writing it, I had to consider the playing of Rode.

In our finales we like rushing and resounding passages, but this does not please R and — this hinders me somewhat.”[1] As a result, the finale was a set of seven variations and a short coda on a cheerful theme.

It is described as the loveliest of his violin sonatas, with "calm, ethereal beauty" and "a searching test for the players.

[2] The opening trill is an integral part of the subject.