String Quintet

Beethoven Quintet

The String Quintet, Op. 29 in C major composed by Ludwig van Beethoven was first published in 1801. This work is a “viola quintet” in that it is scored for string quartet and an additional viola.

In contrast, however, the String Quintet, Op. 4 is an extensively reworked arrangement of one of Beethoven’s earlier works. As such, the Op. 29 is Beethoven’s only full-scale, original composition in the string quintet genre.

Here are two videos for your enjoyment:

First, Beethoven’s String Quintet Opus 29, performed by Benjamin Bowman, Cornelia Löscher, Steven Dann, Michel Camille, Richard Lester at the 13th Esbjerg International Chamber Music Festival 2011

And here’s the same piece: Beethoven’s String Quintet, Op.29 first movement, performed during the 2009 Florida Arts Festival at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers, Florida featuring Toby Appel, and Dave Mastrangelo violins, Cynthia Phelps and Jim Griffith violas, and Ronald Thomas cello. Note: Cynthia Phelps is the Principal violist of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tags: Beethoven, String Quintet, Op. 29, Quintet Op. 4