Called ''KurfŘrstensonaten'' (Prince-Elector sonatas), these three sonatas were published in fall 1783. In the dedication - which was most certainly not formulated by Beethoven - one reads: ''Most lofty sir ... I have now reached my eleventh year'' (whereby the composer has been made two years younger), ''and since then my Muse has whispered to me often during the hours of devotion: Be bold and lay down the harmonies of your soul!'' ... May I now, exalted Prince, dare to lay the first of my juvenile outpourings at the steps of your throne?'' In fact, the three sonatas have a special place among Beethoven's earliest compositions, already exude his spirit, and can be used to acquaint the budding pianist with this composer.