Beethoven - Symphony No.3, Arranged for 7 Players by G. Masi (c.1810) - Score and Parts
Ludwig van Beethoven - “Grand Symphony No.3, Symphony Eroica” in E-flat major (Symphony No.3, Op.55 “Eroica”), arranged for flute, 2 violins, 2 violas, cello, and double bass (or 2 cellos) by Girolamo Masi (1768-1834), c.1810. Complete score (287 pages) and parts (146 pages), available as a PDF download.
Around 1810, three of Beethoven’s symphonies appeared in print in London, published by Monzani & Hill under the title “No. 1.2.3. Grand Symphonies, Composed by L.V. Beethoven Adapted for Two Violins, Flute, Two Tenors, Violoncello & Double Bass or Two Violoncellos by G. Masi.” The collection contains Beethoven’s first three symphonies arranged for 7 players by Girolamo Masi (1768-1834) and were some of the first publications of Beethoven’s symphonies in London.
It’s difficult to date exactly when these arrangements were first made, but Beethoven asked his student Ferdinand Ries in a letter from 1815 to ask the publisher for copies of the arrangements, as well as the arrangements of Symphonies 4-6 by William Watts for the same instrumentation. While the transcription is very cleverly handed by Masi, the actual parts printed by Monzani & Hill are inconsistent in their markings and contain many errors that make it difficult for players to use. After putting the parts into a score, it was possible to correct the inconsistencies and mistakes in the parts while maintaining a delicate balance of retaining Masi’s unique markings that differ from Beethoven’s original score.
For players that are looking for a new way to experience performing this piece in a reduced form, or a clever way to create new chamber music by Beethoven, this historical transcription offers insight into how many musicians experienced Beethoven’s symphonies for the first time in London.
Ludwig van Beethoven - “Grand Symphony No.3, Symphony Eroica” in E-flat major (Symphony No.3, Op.55 “Eroica”), arranged for flute, 2 violins, 2 violas, cello, and double bass (or 2 cellos) by Girolamo Masi (1768-1834), c.1810. Complete score (287 pages) and parts (146 pages), available as a PDF download.
Around 1810, three of Beethoven’s symphonies appeared in print in London, published by Monzani & Hill under the title “No. 1.2.3. Grand Symphonies, Composed by L.V. Beethoven Adapted for Two Violins, Flute, Two Tenors, Violoncello & Double Bass or Two Violoncellos by G. Masi.” The collection contains Beethoven’s first three symphonies arranged for 7 players by Girolamo Masi (1768-1834) and were some of the first publications of Beethoven’s symphonies in London.
It’s difficult to date exactly when these arrangements were first made, but Beethoven asked his student Ferdinand Ries in a letter from 1815 to ask the publisher for copies of the arrangements, as well as the arrangements of Symphonies 4-6 by William Watts for the same instrumentation. While the transcription is very cleverly handed by Masi, the actual parts printed by Monzani & Hill are inconsistent in their markings and contain many errors that make it difficult for players to use. After putting the parts into a score, it was possible to correct the inconsistencies and mistakes in the parts while maintaining a delicate balance of retaining Masi’s unique markings that differ from Beethoven’s original score.
For players that are looking for a new way to experience performing this piece in a reduced form, or a clever way to create new chamber music by Beethoven, this historical transcription offers insight into how many musicians experienced Beethoven’s symphonies for the first time in London.
Ludwig van Beethoven - “Grand Symphony No.3, Symphony Eroica” in E-flat major (Symphony No.3, Op.55 “Eroica”), arranged for flute, 2 violins, 2 violas, cello, and double bass (or 2 cellos) by Girolamo Masi (1768-1834), c.1810. Complete score (287 pages) and parts (146 pages), available as a PDF download.
Around 1810, three of Beethoven’s symphonies appeared in print in London, published by Monzani & Hill under the title “No. 1.2.3. Grand Symphonies, Composed by L.V. Beethoven Adapted for Two Violins, Flute, Two Tenors, Violoncello & Double Bass or Two Violoncellos by G. Masi.” The collection contains Beethoven’s first three symphonies arranged for 7 players by Girolamo Masi (1768-1834) and were some of the first publications of Beethoven’s symphonies in London.
It’s difficult to date exactly when these arrangements were first made, but Beethoven asked his student Ferdinand Ries in a letter from 1815 to ask the publisher for copies of the arrangements, as well as the arrangements of Symphonies 4-6 by William Watts for the same instrumentation. While the transcription is very cleverly handed by Masi, the actual parts printed by Monzani & Hill are inconsistent in their markings and contain many errors that make it difficult for players to use. After putting the parts into a score, it was possible to correct the inconsistencies and mistakes in the parts while maintaining a delicate balance of retaining Masi’s unique markings that differ from Beethoven’s original score.
For players that are looking for a new way to experience performing this piece in a reduced form, or a clever way to create new chamber music by Beethoven, this historical transcription offers insight into how many musicians experienced Beethoven’s symphonies for the first time in London.