Which of Beethoven's sonatas was published without his consent? Learn!
The Piano Sonata No. 20 in G major, Op. 49 No. 2, is part of a pair of sonatas (along with No. 19) that Beethoven considered "kleine Sonaten" (small sonatas) and likely composed for teaching purposes. Interestingly, these works were published in 1805 without Beethoven's knowledge or consent by his brother Carl, who found the manuscripts and sold them to a publisher. The Menuetto movement is particularly charming with its graceful triple meter and classical elegance, characteristic of the late 18th-century style despite being composed in Beethoven's middle period.