Beethoven – Symphony No. 7 Finale, Opus 92 (String Quartet Parts)

Of all Beethoven's symphonic movements this can claim to be his most popular. Indeed, for many years after its first performance it was sometimes used as a substitute slow movement for the second symphony. Arranged by Carlo Martelli.

This opening movement, of perhaps Beethoven's most lyrical and contemplative symphony, lends itself particularly well to transference to the string quartet. Beethoven meant this movement to evoke the awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the country. This skilful arrangement by Carlo Martelli captures the mood intended just as well as the original.

One of the most tender and heartfelt of melodies is this slow movement from the Opus 13 Piano Sonata. Indeed the subtitle Pathétique, acquired by the sonata, derives from the mood evoked by this middle movement. Arranged by Carlo Martelli.

Arranged by Carlo Martelli, the final movement of Beethoven's seventh symphony, once described by Wagner as the apotheosis of the dance, is one of the most rumbustious and exciting ever composed by any symphonist.