Leonore Overture No. 3 by Ludwig van Beethoven

James P. Aldworth acrylic on paper 1991
33 x 28 framed
$700

The opera Fidelio was first produced in a three-act version under the title Leonore in Vienna, in 1805. The success of the performances was greatly hindered by the fact that Vienna was under French military occupation, and most of the audience were French military officers. After this premiere, Beethoven was pressured by friends to revise and shorten the opera into just two acts, and he did so, composing a new overture now known as "Leonore No. 3". In this form the opera was first performed in 1806, with greater success.

Aldworth chose to depict the piece using choppy slashes in fields of blue, orange, and yellow.

For more information about Ludwig van Beethoven, click here.