String Quartet

This first movement contains the longest introduction of any of Beethoven's symphonies, and like the succeeding Allegro is almost dance-like in character. 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.

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.

As to be or not to be is the one Shakespeare quote that is universally recognised, so too is the opening of this Symphony vis a vis Beethoven. Despite the impression of overwhelming intensity given by this movement, it is one of the most perfectly balanced the composer ever wrote.

The Eroica is the first significant work of Beethoven's second period in which he enlarged the whole scale and vocabulary of music. This, the opening movement of that towering masterpiece is a triumphant paean to heroism and liberty. Arranged by Carlo Martelli.

Perhaps the most exquisitely beautiful of all Beethoven's symphonic slow movements, this is in essence a love song of the profoundest depth and purity. Arranged by Carlo Martelli.

Beethoven's nine symphonies have for nearly two hundred years formed the backbone of the orchestral repertory. This movement from the first of these symphonies, though already strongly marked with the composers personality, retains some traces of the 18th century, especially of Haydn. Arranged by Carlo Martelli.

This gay and skittish movement from Beethoven's earliest symphony recalls Haydn in the character of its themes and their development. The arranger Carlo Martelli has omitted the opening hesitant violin passage.

One of the most well known movements of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas, this splendid arrangement by Carlo Martelli is a another welcome addition to Broadbent and Dunn's Classic String Quartet Collection.

One of the most well known movements of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas, this splendid arrangement by Carlo Martelli is a welcome addition to Broadbent and Dunn's Classic String Quartet Collection.

The first movement of this sonata is one of Beethoven's most loved pieces, with the nocturnal romantic mood it encapsulates being perfectly captured in this arrangement. The third movement has been published separately. The Pavão Quartet recorded the first movement on the CD Dreaming, released in 2008 on Discrete Recordings DISC0801 and re-released in 2010 on Discadia Records DISCA001. Included on the same CD are four more of Martelli’s Grieg, Elgar, Debussy and Dvořák arrangements also published by Broadbent & Dunn.

Arranging symphonically orientated works for string quartet is always a daunting challenge, especially when there is a pronounced virtuosic element or a high degree of complexity in the original. In this publication Carlo Martelli has risen magnificently to the challenge as always.

The similarity between the Mexican Hat Dance and the opening of the last movement of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 3 Opus 18 was the starting point for the inspiration of this arrangement by Carlo Martelli, which skilfully combines the two pieces.

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.