Beethoven's second compositional phase, often known as his heroic period, is most obviously exemplified in the Eroica Symphony of 1803-4. But, as the slow movement of his Op. 26 Piano Sonata shows ...

The subtitle for the Sonata was the publisher's addition, but Beethoven did not for once see cause to object. It is certainly his most impassioned work and his most violent musical utterance.

In his next sonata ( Op. 90 ) he would reject Italian tempo markings as being Napoleonic, and later even replace pianoforte with Hammerklavier. Beethoven began the first movement of his E flat ...