Presents

Ludwig van Beethoven

Two Piano Sonatas Op.2 Nos.1 and 3

Arranged for String Quartet

At first glance the idea of transforming a piano sonata into a string quartet seems rather unlikely to be a successful undertaking in view of the fact that the sound character and playing techniques for the two are radically different. However, Beethoven apparently did not entirely agree. In a letter to his publisher Breitkopf and Härtel Beethoven wrote, “I have transformed one of my sonatas into a quartet for violin instruments (i.e. 2 violins, viola and violoncello), which I fervently asked for. I am sure that no one else could easily do the same.” However, both during Beethoven’s lifetime and thereafter, several composers attempted just that. 

Judging from the above quote in which Beethoven fervently asked for such arrangements, several Beethoven scholars have surmised that at least one arrangement of the Op.2 piano sonatas, which appeared during his lifetime, were made to order. At least three known arrangements of these piano sonatas were made during Beethoven’s lifetime: One by the German composer and guitar virtuoso Alexander Brand. Another was by the French composer Pierre Auguste Blondeau (1784-1865) and a third set by an unknown arranger. We know from the plate number of the original that Brand’s arrangement of the Op.2 piano sonatas were published in 1825 by the firm of Schott in Mainz. Blondeau's set was published by the firm of Omont in Paris in 1808. Whether either of these were the arrangements ordered by Beethoven, it is impossible to know.

(A) Op.2 No.1---Parts	$19.95
(B) Op.2 No.3---Parts	$24.95
(C) Both Op.2 Nos.1 & 3---Parts	$39.95