Scherzo and Minuet

[Peter]

I've just been listening to a recording of Op.18 no.4 and in this work the two middle movements are a Scherzo followed by a Minuet (no slow movement) - Off the top of my head I can't think this occurs anywhere else in Beethoven (or any other composer for that matter) - Anyone else know?

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'Man know thyself'

[Michael]

If you are not specifically referring to the string quartets, Peter, you will find a similar plan in the Piano Sonata, Opus 31 No. 3. The two inner movements are a scherzo (although in two-four time) followed by a minuet.

Michael

[Peter]

You're right of course - and I've played the work enough times not to have forgotten! -Slap on the wrist! What is interesting is that the Scherzo is usually seen as a development of the minuet, and here B presents them both as individual movements in their own right.
In the 8th Symphony there is also the Allegretto Scherzando followed by a minuet.
Beethoven really was amazingly innovative with his middle movements - standard slow movements, funeral marches, short Improvisatory movements, variations and Recitative !


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'Man know thyself'