Beethoven composed his short cantata “Un lieto brindisi” (“A joyful toast” WoO 103) for a party organized by Dr. Andrea Bertolini to celebrate the 24 June name day of Dr. Giovanni Malfatti, uncle of Therese Malfatti (Day 233) for whom “Für Elise” is believed to have been written.
Beethoven’s “Un lieto brindisi” (WoO 103) is called a “Cantata Campestre,” which translates as “Rural Cantata.” That term does not seem to have a precise meaning, but it might refer to a secular cantata with rustic or folksy elements.
Thayer-Forbes describes the party at which “Un lieto brindisi” was performed:
Invitations were extended not only to Malfatti’s relatives and personal friends but to a large number of artists of the various professions, resident or temporarily in Vienna … The scene was Malfatti’s villa in Weinhaus. There they feasted; the wine flowed; the cantata was sung; Beethoven, ‘thoroughly unbuttoned’ [gänzlich aufgeknöpft], improvised; fun and frolic ruled the hour. (p. 583)
The Italian text of “Un lieto brindisi” (WoO 103) is ostensibly by Clementi Bondi, although apparently somewhat selective and altered. It translates as “A joyful toast to Giovanni, let us all sing. Live long years, always happy, useful to the world …” and so forth.
#Beethoven250 Day 269
Cantata “Un lieto brindisi” for four voices and piano (WoO 103), 1814
A studio recording.