Beethoven Symphony No 8 (2nd mvt)

Ludwig van Beethoven, arr. Peter Guthrie

Composed:
1812 Arranged:
2000 Grouping:
sSAATTBb 

Following an unproductive four years Beethoven produced both 7th and 8th symphonies in the same year. The eighth was from the outset overshadowed by the 7th, and considered by many a mere trifle in comparison. Whilst it is less serious in nature than the preceding three symphonies, it is unmistakably Beethoven, and would be his last symphonic contribution for over a dozen years.

The second movement is in a way dedicated to Johann Mälzel who had been introduced to Beethoven a little earlier. Mälzel was the inventor of a predecessor of the metronome, and revolutionised music by providing a simple means to ensure tempos were uniform. The second movement features a ticking theme throughout in mimicry of Mälzel's chronometer.