Beethoven must have thought that his Opus 20 septet, a popular masterpiece, would be his last work in the six movement South German divertimento format. I suspect that’s why he kept this piece in his desk drawer for four years. He had done some of the work in 1797, but now in 1801 he put the finishing touches on it and got it published. Once Beethoven published something, it was simply merchandise, he had no further interest in it, and it was on to the next piece. That would be his Opus 29 string quintet which I will cover tomorrow night.
There were many transcriptions of this work for other instruments, some of which were written by Beethoven himself. It was a reliable way to keep the money coming in.
The opening movement is called an entrata, marked “allegro,” and intended for the entrance of the players. It’s in a bright D Major, a charming movement that could have been written by Mozart or Haydn.
The second movement is a minuet in D. The middle portion, or “trio” section, features virtuoso playing from the flute.
The third movement is a scherzo in 3/8 marked “allegro molto” in D minor.
The fouth movement is the traditional theme and variations, marked “andante,” in G Major.
The fifth movement is another minuet marked “allegro scherzando e vivace” in D Major.
The finale starts with an “adagio” introduction, followed by a rondo marked “allegro vivace e disinvolta.” (“Disinvolta” means “free”, not “unplugged!”) The coda is marked “presto.”
Tomorrow night it’s Beethoven’s string quintet.
That is interesting that Beethoven kept this in a drawer for four years.
Irving Berlin kept “God Bless America” in a drawer for over 10 years.
Chopin didn’t like his 20th Nocturne, and didn’t want it published.
And I just heard on Christian Radio that a large number of unpublished, unknown hymns of Fannie Crosby are about to be recorded and released after sitting 100 years in a drawer.
Oh my...I am listening and i hear some unmistakable quotes from the 6th Symphony! Or did the 6th lift then from this? Which came first, the chicken or the egg?