Bagatelles, Op. 119 (Beethoven)

The Bagatelles, Op. 119 are a set of eleven short piano pieces composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. The pieces were written sporadically between approximately 1820 and 1822, though some may have originated from sketches dating back as far as the early 1800s. They were published in 1823.

The term "Bagatelle" literally means "trifle" or "something of little value." In musical terms, it denotes a short, light, and generally uncomplicated piece, often for piano. Beethoven's Bagatelles, while often technically simple, are nonetheless rich in musical ideas and character, demonstrating his ability to create compelling music even within small forms.

The eleven pieces of Op. 119 are varied in character, ranging from the lyrical and melancholic to the humorous and energetic. They showcase Beethoven's exploration of different moods and pianistic textures within the limitations of the bagatelle form. Although individually brief, the set as a whole offers a diverse and rewarding listening experience. They are considered significant works for solo piano in the late Beethoven period, displaying a concentrated expression and inventive approach to musical form that would later influence composers of Romantic miniatures.