Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sextet

Compose Date

:

ca. 1795

Average_duration

:

17:01

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Ludwig van Beethoven composed his Sextet for 2 horns & string quartet in E flat major, Op. 81b in 1795-96. The piece premiered in Vienna in 1797, with Beethoven himself playing the viola part. The Sextet is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, marked Allegro con brio, begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the horns. The string quartet then enters with a more subdued accompaniment, allowing the horns to take center stage. The movement features a number of dynamic contrasts, with the horns and strings trading off melodic lines and playing in unison at times. The movement ends with a brief coda that brings the piece to a close. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and lyrical piece that showcases the expressive capabilities of the horns and strings. The movement begins with a mournful theme played by the viola, which is then taken up by the other instruments. The horns play a prominent role in this movement, with their warm and rich tones adding depth and emotion to the music. The movement ends with a gentle fade-out, leaving the listener with a sense of peacefulness and tranquility. The final movement, marked Rondo: Allegretto moderato, is a lively and playful piece that brings the Sextet to a joyful conclusion. The movement begins with a sprightly theme played by the horns, which is then taken up by the strings. The movement features a number of variations on this theme, with the horns and strings trading off melodic lines and playing in unison at times. The movement ends with a lively coda that brings the piece to a rousing finish. Overall, Beethoven's Sextet for 2 horns & string quartet in E flat major, Op. 81b is a masterful work that showcases the composer's skill at writing for both horns and strings. The piece is characterized by its lively energy, expressive lyricism, and playful spirit, making it a joy to listen to from start to finish.

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