Among the counterpoint composition exercises that Beethoven wrote under the tutelage of Albrechtsberger are two preludes and fugues for string quartet. Beethoven had long been familiar with the prelude and fugue form from his early studies of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier.
Beethoven’s preludes and fugues for string quartet are also interesting because the string quartet later became an important genre for Beethoven — including the last (great) fugue he wrote. Although only exercises, these curiosities give us a tiny offbeat glimpse into the future.
#Beethoven250 Day 63
Prelude and Fugue in F Major (Hess 30), 1794–95
Members of the Salt Lake City-based Tribeca Ensemble perform this rare counterpoint exercise for string quartet.
#Beethoven250 Day 63
Prelude and Fugue in C Major (Hess 31), 1794–95
A rare performance of the companion counterpoint exercise for string quartet by the Tribeca Ensemble. (They also do weddings.)