Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op. 63 (after String Quintet, Op. 4)
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36 (version for Piano Trio)

The Swiss Piano Trio’s sixth and final release featuring works for piano trio by Ludwig van Beethoven presents two early masterworks and real rarities: adaptations for piano trio of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 and his String Quintet Op. 4, based on his Octet Op. 103 and reworked by the composer himself (this piano trio is therefore a double adaptation of the octet).

Both piano trio adaptations were published by Artaria in Vienna in 1806. Whilst it is not documented who arranged the string quintet for piano trio, the Second Symphony was adapted by Beethoven’s pupil Ferdinand Ries in collaboration with Carl Czerny and under the supervision of the composer. The result is a resplendent realisation of an ingenious orchestral work which greatly astonished contemporary audiences. The magnificent version for piano trio facilitates a renewed encounter with a work which is still unjustly overshadowed by the Eroica Symphony.

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Recording: Kunsthalle Ziegelhütte, Appenzell, Switzerland, June 20 - 22, 2020 (Op. 63); July 6 - 8, 2020 (Op. 36).