Beethoven’s symphonies were transcribed for a variety of instruments and ensembles, both during his lifetime and long after. Perhaps the most famous are Liszt’s transcriptions for solo piano, which are marvels in their own right.
Transcriptions were a means to perform and hear these symphonies without assembling an entire orchestra and serving them lunch. Before recorded sound, transcriptions were often the only practical way to hear a symphony for many people.
For today’s listener, transcriptions can offer an unusual perspective for a familiar work. Certain parts are emphasized and deemphasized, and we find ourselves listening more closely, not taking anything for granted, and discovering things we’ve never heard before.
Beethoven rarely made transcriptions of his own works, and most were done without his consent. However, in several cases, Beethoven is believed to have corrected the transcription, and these particular examples are of interest from an historical and musical perspective.
#Beethoven250 Day 187
Symphony No. 2 Transcribed for Piano Trio (Opus 36), 1805
This transcription of the 2nd Symphony for Piano Trio is believed to have been corrected by Beethoven.