Biamonti 172 – Beginning of a Pastorale for Piano, around 1798
The musical examples and lyrics on this page are by Graziano Denini.
This sketch appears on a half sheet held by the library of the Paris Conservatory, which also contains sketches for the first movement of the Sonata for Piano and Violin in A major, Opus 12 No. 2. No further information is available (Max Unger, page 110/83).
The manuscript is housed at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Gallica section, ms. 83. It occupies the first two full staves of the sheet, which also includes sketches for the first movement of the Sonata for Piano and Violin in A major, Op. 12 No. 2. The final bar is written across staves 3 and 4. It is inscribed on the verso of a sheet, likely with 16 staves, torn horizontally after stave 12. On the recto—left blank by Beethoven—there is a note by Fischhof from 1835, probably a dedication addressed to A. Thomas.
Max Unger, in his analysis of Beethoven manuscripts at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, suggests this sketch is merely the beginning of a Pastoral. In their book on Beethoven’s sketchbooks, Johnson, Tyson, and Winter link this manuscript—at least in terms of the type of paper used—to the Kafka collection (folios 43, 63, 66, 67, 135, 136, 137, 138), the Fischhof collection (folios 44, 45), other manuscripts from the Beethoven-Haus in Bonn, and one from Koblenz (Ms. 83).
What Is a Pastorale in Music?
A pastorale (or pastoral) in music refers to a style or genre that evokes the peaceful, idyllic atmosphere of the countryside. It often draws inspiration from the life of shepherds, nature, and rural simplicity. Musically, it’s characterized by:
- Gentle, flowing melodies often moving in thirds
- Simple harmonies and a drone bass that mimics rustic instruments like bagpipes
- Moderate tempo, typically in 6/8 or 12/8 time signature, giving a lilting, rocking feel
- Idyllic and serene mood, sometimes tinged with nostalgia or innocence
Famous Examples
- Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” – a vivid depiction of countryside scenes, including a brook, a thunderstorm, and joyful peasants.
- Handel’s “Pastoral Symphony” from Messiah – a gentle instrumental piece often associated with the nativity.
- Corelli’s Christmas Concerto – its final movement is a classic pastorale, evoking a tranquil rural setting.
