Der Kuss (F Major) by Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Accompaniment

Der Kuss by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), Piano Accompaniment played and recorded by Pianist Friend for Singer.


Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Der Kuss” (The Kiss), Op. 128, is a charming, lighthearted song that shows a rarely glimpsed side of the composer. Written in 1798 to a text by Christian Felix Weisse, the work is classified as a comic aria (Komische Arie) and stands as Beethoven’s final published song. Unlike the more solemn or noble character of much of his vocal music, Der Kuss sparkles with wit, humor, and a playful sense of irony.

The poem tells a brief, almost operatic scene: a young man attempts to steal a kiss, and the lady—though feigning resistance—cannot truly object. Beethoven heightens this mischievous narrative with unexpected pauses, dramatic declamation, and shifts in mood that mimic a stage performance. The music alternates between lyrical phrases and quick bursts of recitative-like delivery, giving the impression of spontaneous dialogue.

Beneath the humor, Der Kuss demonstrates Beethoven’s keen sensitivity to text setting and his flair for dramatic timing. The mock-serious introduction and the sudden halt before the final kiss show the composer’s theatrical instinct. While not a grandiose work, it provides a glimpse into Beethoven’s playful personality and his ability to blend music and drama into a miniature gem.

Today, Der Kuss remains a favorite encore piece, loved for its brevity, charm, and sly wit. It is a reminder that Beethoven—so often regarded as a titan of high drama and profundity—was equally capable of light comedy and delightful mischief.

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