Beethoven's Sonata for cello and piano no. 5 was finished in 1815, simultaneously with the sonata for cello and piano no. 4. Both were published in 1817 and dedicated to Countess Marie von Erdődy (de), a close friend and confidante of Beethoven's. During the composition process Beethoven experienced all sort of difficulties, being overwhelmed by his progressing deafness. The complex and visionary character of these cello sonatas marks the start of Beethoven's so called 'third period'. The critics of the time noted the unusual character of the pieces, which are nowadays an essential elements in the basic repertory of works for cello and piano.
