Beethoven: Grande Sonate Op. 106 (Hammerklavier) | Maurice Schlesinger, Paris, c. 1835

An early nineteenth-century French edition of Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat Major, Op. 106, commonly known as the Hammerklavier Sonata.

Composed between 1817 and 1818 and first published in 1819, the Hammerklavier is one of Beethoven's most ambitious piano sonatas, notable for its considerable scale, technical demands and expansive musical structure. The work is dedicated to his patron, Archduke Rudolph of Austria.

The bound book is 13.5" tall, 10" wide, and 3/8" thick.

Publication Details

Published in Paris by Maurice Schlesinger as part of the Collection complète des œuvres de L. van Beethoven, this edition dates to approximately 1835.

The engraved title page bears the French title Grande Sonate pour le Piano, the original dedication to Archduke Rudolph, and the publisher's plate number M.S. 1865.

The original printed price of 12 francs (Pr. 12f) remains visible at the foot of the title page.

Bibliographic Details

• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
• Work: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat Major, Op. 106
• Common title: Hammerklavier
• Publisher: Maurice Schlesinger
• Place of publication: Paris, France
• Date: Circa 1835
• Publisher's plate number: M.S. 1865
• Original printed price: 12 francs
• Pagination: Pages 238–282
• Completeness: Complete musical score

Condition

An original nineteenth-century volume showing considerable age and use. The paper exhibits significant foxing, creasing, minor edge tears and old mildew spotting. The binding has wear consistent with its age, although the spine remains intact.

Additional markings include a handwritten catalog number, 67808, in red ink at the upper right of the title page; a child's pencil drawing or writing inside the front cover; and at least one pencil annotation within the score, presumably made by previous owners. Crucially, the lower right of the title page features an elegant, sweeping script flourish that appears to be the handwritten authenticity signature (paraph) of the publisher himself, Maurice Schlesinger—a common 19th-century French anti-piracy practice used to verify authorized copies.

The musical engraving remains clear and legible throughout. The paper is structurally stable.

Sold in its present, unrestored condition. Please refer to photographs for a closer examination of the title page, binding and condition.