The Op. 79 was announced by Breitkopf and Hartel in Leipzig in December 1810 as 'sonatine pour le pianoforte.' It was also registered at London's copyright registry on August 31, 1810, by the English publisher Muzio Clementi. It is not possible to ascertain exactly when the English edition was available to the public, but it may be that it predates the German edition. Although the Op. 79 bears no dedication, Beethoven may have planned to use it as a gift for Therese Malfatti, a woman with whom he was romantically involved. An autograph of the Op. 79 is extant and is now in Beethoven-Haus, Bonn. Dr. Stewart Gordon's editions of Beethoven's most popular piano sonatas provide the key to a stylistic performance. Thorough research of the earliest available sources has enabled Dr. Gordon to produce the most accurate reflection of the composer's intent. Each sonata contains helpful fingering suggestions and performance recommendations. / Piano
