After Beethoven stopped studying counterpoint with Haydn, he continued with Johann Georg Albrechtsberger. Three contrapuntal studies from 1795 exist in the form of short canons — a musical form in which multiple voices sing (or play) the same melody but offset from each other.
The canons that Beethoven composed in connection with his studies with Albrechtsberger are virtually never performed in public and rarely recorded. The only recordings seem to be those made for complete editions of Beethoven’s works, or to specifically highlight obscure works.
#Beethoven250 Day 62
Canon “Im Arm der Liebe ruht sich’s wohl” (WoO 159), 1795
This exercise canon for three voices begins “In the arms of love there is sweet rest.” English subtitles are included in the video.
#Beethoven250 Day 62
Canon for 3 voices (WoO 160, No. 1), 1795
This exercise canon for three voices has no words. In this recording, the parts are played by clarinets.
#Beethoven250 Day 62
Canon in 4 voices (WoO 160, No. 2), 1795
Another exercise canon with no words; the four voices in this recording are played by violins.