Violinist and composer George Bridgetower was good friends with Ludwig Van Beethoven. So much so that Beethoven wrote a violin sonata just for him. Unfortunately, after a dispute the sonata was changed to the “Kreutzer Sonata.” There is a current campaign to recognize the piece as the “Bridgetower Sonata.”

Musical selections from George Bridgetower

Henry

This work is dedicated to the Princess of Wales. At the end of the beautiful work Bridgetower places a love confession to the princess: "My heart, my soul is thine, my dear. I live only for you, Henry".

Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 9

This piece is more commonly known as the “Kreutzer Sonata,” following a re-dedication by Beethoven. However, it was originally dedicated to Bridgetower, whose prodigious talent inspired Beethoven to create this celebrated piece.

Credits

Host: Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

Producer: Dan Nass

Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship

Executive Producer: Julie Amacher