Biamonti 473 – Fragment for Voice and Piano, Final Months of 1808

Source: Grasnick Sketchbook No. 3 (see note below), Sheet 11, First Page, Lines 4 and 5 Transcription and analysis by: Dagmar Weise, page 81 Location: Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin Classification: Unbekannt (Unknown work)

This brief sketch, penned by Beethoven in the waning months of 1808, consists of a fragment for voice accompanied by arpeggiated piano. The composer inscribes the word “Gesang” (i.e., “Song” or “Voice”) beneath the beginning of line 4, clearly indicating its vocal nature. Curiously, the right-hand part of the piano accompaniment appears to be absent, though it may have been intended to double the vocal line, a common practice in Beethoven’s sketching method.