Notturno in D Major Op. 42

After the first edition of Beethoven’s Serenade op. 8 for string trio of 1797, there followed within a few years numerous arrangements for a wide variety of scorings which are largely unknown today. The arrangement for viola and piano, made at that time by Franz Xaver Kleinheinz, has, however, long been known and loved by viola players – perhaps because it was created “under the supervision” of the composer. In any case, Beethoven (who was, after all, a violist himself!) declared to the publishers Hoffmeister & Kühnel that it had been “reviewed by me and, in places, greatly improved”. That the publishers would issue the arrangement in 1804 as the Notturno op. 42, without mentioning the actual arranger, was presumably not what Beethoven had in mind – but this does not detract from the pleasure of this rare gem of chamber music. With great enthusiasm, the viola and piano engage in a dialogue, revelling in a cheerful serenade-like tone, while lyrical and dramatic moments provide variety. This edition offers a carefully reviewed musical text, which enriches the moderately difficult to advanced repertoire for viola and, at the same time, is thoroughly entertaining.