Beethoven String quartet op. 59.2 E-Minor - for ORCHESTRA

[gprengel]

Beethoven's e-minor quartet , I think is one of greatest chamber music that I know, and it has even a symphonic dimension, so right now I try to do an orchestration. Here are the 2 glorious middle movements 2 and 3, which I just finished:

http://www.gerdprengel.de/op59-2-2_Orch.mp3

http://www.gerdprengel.de/op59-2-3_Orch.mp3

I hope they speak to you ...

Gerd

[Peter]

Strange you say that about 59/2 as it has always been my least favourite of the set, however your orchestration of the slow movement in particular is quite lovely and I'm getting quite addicted listening to it!

[gprengel]

And now a firework of a Finale !! http://www.gerdprengel.de/op59-2-4_Orch.mp3

[gprengel]

After finishing now also the first movement I put the whole work to youtube: https://youtu.be/MSzwbuUzs0Y

[gprengel]

After orchestrating Beethoven's e-minor string quartett op. 59.2 I did the same now with the outstanding Adagio in f-minor from op. 59,1 - I always adored this Adagio but now I'm just overwhelmed ... https://youtu.be/pNaQ_EZJAmE Unlike the e-minor quartett which as a whole could be wonderfully orchestrated, in the F-Major quartett I see only this Adagio suited for orchestra. Now I try the finale of op. 59,3 ...

[Peter]

After orchestrating Beethoven's e-minor string quartett op. 59.2 I did the same now with the outstanding Adagio in f-minor from op. 59,1 - I always adored this Adagio but now I'm just overwhelmed ... https://youtu.be/pNaQ_EZJAmE Unlike the e-minor quartett which as a whole could be wonderfully orchestrated, in the F-Major quartett I see only this Adagio suited for orchestra. Now I try the finale of op. 59,3 ...

Beautiful work, this strikes me as having a strong affinity with the funeral march from the Eroica. Looking forward to your version of thOp.59/3 finale.

[gprengel]

The Finale from Beethoven's string quartet op. 59,3 is a firework with a power that - I think - can only be compared to that of the 7th symphony. Now I fulfilled me an old desire to arrange it for symphony orchestra (first I had doubts whether this would be even possible) : https://youtu.be/YkgmgS0xVvU

[Peter]

The Finale from Beethoven's string quartet op. 59,3 is a firework with a power that - I think - can only be compared to that of the 7th symphony. Now I fulfilled me an old desire to arrange it for symphony orchestra (first I had doubts whether this would be even possible) : https://youtu.be/YkgmgS0xVvU

Excellent, but I would compare it more to the finale of the 4th symphony!

[gprengel]

Excellent, but I would compare it more to the finale of the 4th symphony!

Yes, you are right ! That Finale is also a powerhouse written also around 1806. I hadn't heard the 4th for some time, but listened to it this afternoon - Great:-)
I try now also the 1st mov. of this quartet ....

[gprengel]

I must admit that so far I never had appreciated the first movement (only the first tutti of the Allegro) - but now while trying to orchestrate it I have really fallen in love with this wonderful movement :

http://gerdprengel.de/op59-3-1_Orch.mp3

[Quijote]

Here's something that you will appreciate Gerd (and others, of course): Beethoven's own arrangement of his Piano Sonata No. 9 in E major (Op. 14, No. 1, 1799) for string quartet (String Quartet in F major H. 34, arranged in 1801). Why did Beethoven choose to transpose the string quartet into F major, do you think?

Anyway, first here's the piano sonata:

And here's the arrangement for string quartet (I couldn't find a version with score on YouTube, pity):

[Quijote]

Continuing the post just above (#11), I found something interesting on Wikipedia about Beethoven's arrangement of his Piano Sonata No. 9 for string quartet (Hess 34) that refers to what Donald Tovey had to say. Here's a screenshot of the relevant section:

[Peter]

Continuing the post just above (#11), I found something interesting on Wikipedia about Beethoven's arrangement of his Piano Sonata No. 9 for string quartet (Hess 34) that refers to what Donald Tovey had to say. Here's a screenshot of the relevant section:

Yes and Beethoven himself comments on this arrangement saying how difficult it was to do and why he was in general against such attempts.

[Quijote]

Yes and Beethoven himself comments on this arrangement saying how difficult it was to do and why he was in general against such attempts.

Well, that's exactly the point, isn't it? That's why Beethoven's initial inspiration/conception drove him to compose a piano sonata in this particular instance. I do wonder though what is inherent in the original material that makes composers such as Beethoven opt for an instrumental sonata rather than go, say, for a symphony.

EDIT: My point is not clear. What I'm trying to figure out is when a composer has a creative moment and quickly writes down the melody, a short sketch, etc., what in that original flash makes them decide that the material will be best exploited in solo instrumental form, or as a quartet, or as a symphony, etc.

[Enrique]

Beethoven said that when a musical idea came to his mind it was in certain instrument/s, if this may help.