Duet with Two Obligato Eyeglasses WoO 32 for Viola and Violoncello by Ludwig van Beethoven
Urtext edition by Emil Platen. Published by Henle
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was the most influential and admired composer of the Romantic Era, and is considered today to be among the greatest composers of classical music to ever live. His music is known variously for its compositional rigor, sublime beauty, organic development, gripping urgency, and life-affirming, universal humanism. He left a significant mark on almost every classical genre he worked in, from string quartets to symphonies.
Though Beethoven was known in his time (and even today) as a severe, serious, visionary artist, he also had a sense of humor. Nowhere in his output is that more apparent than in the ''Duet for Two Eyeglasses Obligato'', WoO 32, a two-movement duo for viola and cello. The title probably humorously refers to two eyeglass-wearing performers, perhaps even Beethoven himself and a cellist friend. This Henle urtext edition is taken from its collection of complete Beethoven string trios and duos. Edited by Emil Platen. Includes viola and cello part insert. Advanced level, grade 5.
