Gedenke mein! WoO130 for voice and piano (1804-5, revised 1819-20. Beethoven aged 33 at time of composition)

Dedication Prince Nikolas Borissovich Galitzin

Text Anonymous
Duration 1’30”

Listen

by Ben Hogwood

Background and Critical Reception

Thoughts

This song has quite a gentle, hymn-like profile – especially when the harmonies. The voice and piano move together, step by step, with a nostalgic tone, until what can only be a regretful closing statement.

Spotify playlist and Recordings used

A seldom-recorded song – but when you have versions from the great baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and tenor Peter Schreier the song is still amply covered.

The below playlist contains those two recordings:

You can chart the Arcana Beethoven playlist as it grows, with one recommended version of each piece we listen to. Catch up here!

Also written in 1805 Wölfl Piano Sonata in C minor Op.25

Next up Variations for piano trio on ‘Ich bin der Schneider Kakadu’ Op.121a