Description
The three selections in this edition of quartet arrangements of Beethoven’s symphonies are chosen to represent the diversity of quartets as a medium for arrangement in the early nineteenth century. Only the arrangement by Carl Zulehner, of Beethoven’s first symphony, is a string quartet. The arrangement by Johann Nepomuk Hummel of Beethoven’s fifth symphony, for pianoforte, flute, violin, and violoncello (or pianoforte alone), is part of an extensive collection of arrangements that he made for that grouping, while the arrangement for piano quartet by Ferdinand Ries of the Eroica Symphony represents the particular popularity of chamber groupings involving stringed instruments and piano.
Content
Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21, Ludwig van Beethoven, arr. Carl Zulehner
I. Adagio molto; Allegro con brio
II. Cantabile: Andante con moto
III. Menuetto: Allegro molto e vivace
IV. Finale: Adagio; Allegro molto e vivace
Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 (Eroica), Ludwig van Beethoven, arr. Ferdinand Ries
I. Allegro con brio
II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assai
III. Menuetto Scherzo: Allegro vivace
IV. Finale: Allegro molto; Poco andante; Presto
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67, Ludwig van Beethoven, arr. Johann Nepomuk Hummel
I. Allegro con brio
II. Andante con moto
III. Scherzo: Allegro
IV. Allegro; Presto