Beethoven – Pathétique Piano Sonata No. 8 Opus 13, Movement 1 (String Quartet Score)

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.

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.

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.