Beethoven-Liszt - Symphony 5 (II. Andante con moto) - Cyprien Katsaris Piano

Presented here is the second movement of Beethoven’s fifth symphony (op. 67) as arranged by Franz Liszt and performed by Cyprien Katsaris (b. 1951) for solo piano. Beethoven completed this symphony in 1808. Franz Liszt arranged all 9 of Beethoven’s symphonies for solo piano, which were published as a complete set in 1865. Cyprien Katsaris compared Liszt’s transcriptions to Beethoven’s original score and felt there were sections where notes could be added for instruments which were left out. The following description of this movement is taken from Wikipedia: “The second movement, in A♭ major, the subdominant key of C minor’s relative key (E♭ major), is a lyrical work in double variation form, which means that two themes are presented and varied in alternation. Following the variations there is a long coda. The movement opens with an announcement of its theme, a melody in unison by violas and cellos, with accompaniment by the double basses. A second theme soon follows, with a harmony provided by clarinets, bassoons, and violins, with a triplet arpeggio in the violas and bass. A variation of the first theme reasserts itself. This is followed up by a third theme, thirty-second notes in the violas and cellos with a counterphrase running in the flute, oboe, and bassoon. Following an interlude, the whole orchestra participates in a fortissimo, leading to a series of crescendos and a coda to close the movement.“ Sources: Sheet Music: Symphony 5: (Beethoven) Liszt Transcriptions: (Liszt) Cyprien Katsaris: Personal note: The way Mr. Katsaris performs the part from about 5:04-5:24 is one of my favorite sections of music that I’ve ever heard. That is why I selected it to be the thumbnail image.