typeracer

Beethoven's two clarinet trios were composed within the space of just under two years, viz op. 11, during the first part of 1798 and the Septet op. 20 (from which the Trio op. 38 was to eventuate) at the end of 1799/beginning of 1800. However, Beethoven did not commence with the process of working out the actual trio version until 1802/1803. The theme of the variations in the final movement of op. 11, "Pria ch'io l'impegno" ("Before 1 begin work"), originates from J. Weigl's opera "L'amor marinaro" (first performance Vienna 1797), then quite a popular subject and one which also served as a basis for piano variations written by several composers including J. Eybler, J. N. Hummel and J. Gelinek.