Beethoven Sextet Op.81b

hornplayer.net Information archive

Beethoven Sextet Op.81b

Suddenly I have been assigned the task of writing program notes for the Beethoven sextet. My draft is due monday, and I turn to cyberspace to plead for help. I have heard that the opus number is probably not chronologically correct (81 would put it in the 1809-1810 time frame, and it appears "earlier" in style). Any facts about its provenance and performance history would be greatfully accepted, as well as musicological notes (I plan on mentioning the semitone suspensions in the slow movement, for instance).

I have a book on Beethoven (thick one). It is Opus 81 b. It is the first wind chamber piece Beethoven wrote after he moved to Vienna.
In the margin of the 1st horn part is written in his own hand

"6tet of mine. God knows where the other parts are."

It makes reference to being similar in character to Beethoven's Flute Serenade in D Op. 25 published in 1802.
Hope this helps you.

I have an Eulenberg pocket score of the Op. 81b, which gives 1774-75 as a proable date of composition, and 1810 as the date of the first publication of the parts, with 1846 as the first publication of the score. It's interesting to note that op. 81a is the piano sonata subtitled, "les Adeux."
The rest of the discussion in the score of the music is rather simplistic and dull, making only one moderately interesting comment associating the middle movement with Beethoven's so-called "welt-schmerz" character that occurs more in his later works.
Does anyone out there have any coment about the repeat of the exposition of the first movement? How historically inaccurate would I be if I choose not to take the repeat? Is this an acceptible thing to do, or is it an insult to Beethoven, who wouldn't have writen the repeat if he didn't want people to take it? (I fear a can of worms has just been opened, and although I'm mixing my metaphors, I urge everyone to prepare for an impending avalanche of... worms??)

Isn't it generally acknowledged that Beethoven was born in 1770? I hardly think he wrote this work at the age of 4 or even at 5! The pocket score notes are obviously in error. Find another source, of course! [What date is ascribed to the 81a sonata?]

In the cover of my recording of the Sextet with Herman Bauman, Vladimir Dshambasov and the Gewandhaus-quartet, John Warrack writes the following:
"I his early Sextet, Beethoven, too, does not explore, so much as settle for diversion. Written some time in the winter of 1794-95, it falls into three movements, a cheerful 'Allegro con brio', an 'Adagio' and a final 'Rondo allegro'. He uses two horns, often hunting in pairs, as it were, with the familiar arpeggio calls that have a breath of the forset and of the chase about them; the 'Adagio', however, is a more reflective, even sombre movement that gives what is otherwise a fresh and uncomplicated divertimento a somewhat greater emotional weight."
Not much, but I hope it's of some use.

Whoops!!! Forgive me, all!!! I *meant* to say that the work was composed around 1794-95!!!! Good grief, how embarrassing! And, since I'm corecting errors... it's Eulenburg, not Eulenberg.

Well guys, here's my draft based on the interesting background all of you provided and my own perceptions of the piece. Your criticism gladly accepted up to my copy deadline (monday evening at orchestra rehearsal).

The exuberant Sextet Opus 81b is unique among Beethoven's chamber works. To the standard string quartet are added a pair of obligatto horns who carry much of the thematic line. The first movement (Allegro con brio) is lighthearted with ample opportunity for the horns to display the rich tonal qualities of the instrument in extended duet passages. The more subdued Adagio is elegant in its simplicity and open structure. Beethoven's use of harmonic suspensions lends an ethereal quality to this interlude. The raucous rondo finale (Allegro) combines arpeggiated horn calls with rollicking beer-hall gusto. The full range of the horn is exploited with sustained basso passages offsetting the pyrotechnic hunting calls.
The work was sketched in Vienna in 1794 or 1795 at a time when the young Beethoven was just breaking into the musical limelight. However, it was not published for fifteen years (1810), possibly because most of the manuscript was lost. A note in Beethoven's hand on the manuscript of the first horn part reads "6tet of mine. God knows where the other parts are." We are grateful that the rest was found, as this straightforward and crisp composition is a delightful part of Beethoven's chamber legacy.

All the views expressed in these articles are those of the author of the article. Hornplayer.net is in no way responsible for opinions expressed. Hornplayer.net is not responsible for any actions taken as a result of information contained within this website.

Back to the archive index

The information published herein is believed to be correct, however, the author assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Hornplayer.net does not support, condone, endorse or agree with any statement shown on the site, other than those that are explicitly stated as being the official position of hornplayer.net. This contents of this website includes data added by anonymous third parties, and is dynamically included in the pages with no verification by the owner of hornplayer.net. While effort is made to ensure that all third-party data is appropriate and within the bounds of the law, hornplayer.net accepts no responsibility whatsoever for any statements or claims made.