TITLE: Octet in Eb for Winds, opus 103 (c.1792)

• Original Title: Parthia in Eb for 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 2 Horns

COMPOSER: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Beethoven was born in Bonn,Germany. His family life was stressful, for his father would drink to excess and expect the young Ludwig to perform like the famous prodigy, Mozart. Beethoven held positions in the court theater and the Electoral chapel as harpsichordist, where he studied music with the court organist. In 1787, during a visit to Vienna , his work was heard and adored by Mozart, however, his mother's illness forced him to return to Bonn. By the time he had returned to Vienna in 1792, Mozart had passed away. He then went to study composition with Haydn and Albrechtsberger. His debut Vienna performance, where he played his Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat, resulted in popularity and respect. He composed the Octet in Eb for Winds in the same year. This work is very early in Beethoven's compositional output, and demonstrate the influence of his mentor, Franz Joseph Haydn.

MOVEMENTS: Four

1. Allegro 1' 10"
2. Andante 1' 25"
3. Menuetto (Allegro) 3' 45"
4. Finale (Presto) 3' 45"

PERFORMANCE TIME: 10' 30"

INSTRUMENTATION: 8 Instruments

• 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 2 Horns

EDITIONS: Available for Purchase

• Schott Music Corporation, New York City, NY

COMPOSITION SKETCH AND MUSICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The Octet was written in Bonn, shortly before Beethoven moved to Vienna. Among Bonn's other residents at this time was the Austrian, Archduke Maximilian Franz, who was also Elector of Cologne and who, in keeping with the custom of the age, employed eight excellent wind players to entertain him at dinner. The work was written in 1792. It was actually published in 1830 which is why the opus number of 103 is so high and implies a later work. The first movement is in sonata allegro form and uses traditional harmonic progressions. The first thirty measures are in the key of F major, then moving to the dominant key B flat and then secondary dominant key of F major. The movement employs a very brief development section and recaps in a traditional manner. In the first movement, the oboe spins out a charming theme, the rhythm of which permeates the entire movement. The second movements opens with a beautiful oboe melody that could be an arioso out of an Italian opera. The bassoon enters and joins the oboe, to create an operatic soprano and baritone duet. This movement is in three part song form. The minuet is a preview of the later Beethoven scherzo both rhythmically and melodically. The trio hosts a dialogue between the clarinet and horns in which the characteristic color of these instruments is beautifully contrasted. The final movement is very playful and energetic. The instrument sounds weave a color texture with runs, arpeggios and syncopated chords. The second theme has the outline of the Hymn of Joy.

SELECTED RECORDINGS:

RELATED WEBSITES:

Beethoven's Biography - http://www.ida.his.se/ida/~a94johal/beethoven/beet.html

Beethoven's Illustrated Biography - http://austria-tourism.at/personen/beethoven/index.html

Beethoven Midi Files - http://www.unheardbeethoven.org/