Beethoven’s Six Ländler for Two Violins and Bass, WoO 15, constitute his second and final set of these forms of German dance, the earlier set being the Seven Ländler, WoO 11 (Day 115). Both sets were apparently intended for actual events of social dancing.
The Six Ländler for Two Violins and Bass probably date from early 1802, when Beethoven was working intensely on his second symphony. Strange as it might seem, at least one person (Thomas K. Scherman) has discovered thematic and harmonic connections between the works.
#Beethoven250 Day 147
6 Ländler for Two Violins and Bass (WoO 15), 1802
An ad may precede this studio recording with animated score. The Coda, which begins at 5:46, is longer than any of the individual six dances.
#Beethoven250 Day 147
6 Ländler for Two Violins and Bass (WoO 15), 1802
The Belgrade-based trio Sensartika performs an arrangement for flute, violin, and cello. (This is one of two YouTube videos of the trio performing this work.)
#Beethoven250 Day 147
6 Ländler for Two Violins and Bass (WoO 15, No. 1), 1802
Piano reductions of these dances are sometimes found in collections of piano pieces. Here’s the first of the six dances played on the piano.
#Beethoven250 Day 147
6 Ländler for Two Violins and Bass (WoO 15, No. 4), 1802
The D-minor 4th Ländler as played on the piano.