Although in the style of a Scottish country dance, hence its name, the Écossaise is of French origin. In 2/4 time, it is danced in two lines, the women opposite the men. Beethoven’s six écossaises, dating from 1806, are miniatures in the simplest form, all in E flat major and to be played without a break. Though far from significant and lacking any distinctive hallmarks of the composer, these pieces are nonetheless appealing.

from notes by Phillip Borg-Wheeler © 2026