The “Kreutzer” Sonata turns the meeting of violin and piano into an equal, intensely charged dialogue; behind the name on the printed edition stands the 1803 premiere with George Bridgetower and Beethoven. i Work Information Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) Title: Violin Sonata No. 9 in A Major , Op. 47 (“Kreutzer”) Year of composition: 1802–1803 Premiere: 24 May 1803, Augarten, Vienna; George Bridgetower, violin, and Ludwig van Beethoven, piano Genre: Chamber music Structure: Three movements Duration: Approx. 35–40 minutes Instrumentation: Violin and piano Before the pianist has played a note, the violin has already assumed responsibility for the opening of Beethoven's “Kreutzer” Sonata. Its double-stopped phrase sounds out with the breadth of an announcement. Then the piano answers, and what began as a solitary statement becomes a conversation. For the next three movements, the players will advance together, cut across each other's path, and complete musical ...