"Septet-op20-cl-hn-bsn-vln-viola-cello-bass"

Septet-op20-cl-hn-bsn-vln-viola-cello-bass

     

Composed in 1799–1800 and dedicated to Empress Ma... Read More Composed in 1799–1800 and dedicated to Empress Maria Theresa, this radiant six-movement masterwork was one of Beethoven’s greatest public triumphs during his lifetime. Scored for an inventive, colorful ensemble of clarinet, horn, bassoon, violin, viola, cello, and double bass, the piece adopts the lighthearted, expansive design of the classical divertimento or serenade—featuring a noble opening Adagio – Allegro con brio, a sublime and songful Adagio cantabile led by the clarinet, an infectious Tempo di Menuetto (whose popular theme Beethoven also used in his Piano Sonata Op. 49, No. 2), an engaging theme with five variations, a rollicking Scherzo, and a grand Andante con moto alla Marcia introduction that unleashes a sparkling, virtuosic Presto finale. Read Less