Beethoven vs Woelfl: Piano Duel

Peter Foggitt, piano (as Woelfl)

Thibault Charrin, piano (as Beethoven)

Austrian Composer, Joseph Woelfl (1773-1812) moved to London in 1805, living his last days in Marylebone, dying in Great Marylebone Street in 1812. A child prodigy, he became a rival to Ludwig van Beethoven - a rivalry which culminated in a piano ‘duel’ at the house of Count Wezlar in 1798. This concert recreates this duel, using two pianos and period costume. A ‘master of ceremonies’, Baron Wezlar von Planckenstern, will preside over the contest, allowing you to vote for your winner!

Prelude: The contestants meet

W A Mozart (1756-91) , Overture (Die Zauberflöte)

Round 1: A movement in a Sonata Form

Joseph Haydn (b. 1732) , Sonata in E-flat Hob. XVI:52 no. 62 (I-Allegro)

Ludwig van Beethoven (b. 1770) , Sonata op 10 no 3 (I-Presto)

Round 2: A Fugue

Joseph Woelfl (b. 1773) , Sonata in C minor WoO 113 (II – Fugue)

Ludwig van Beethoven, Sonata op 10 no 2 (III - Presto)

Round 3: A slow movement

W A Mozart , Piano Concerto no 21 (II-Andante)

Round 4: Virtuosity

Audience chooses the technique from a hat!

Round 5: Theme and Variations

Audience chooses the theme from a hat!