Beethoven: String Quintet in C major, Op.29

Introduction

The String Quintet in C major, Op. 29 by Ludwig van Beethoven was composed in 1801. This work is scored for string quartet and an extra viola (two violins, two violas, and cello). The Op. 29 is Beethoven's only full-scale, original composition in the string quintet genre; of his other quintet works, the Op. 4 is an extensively reworked arrangement of the earlier Octet for Winds, Op. 103, the Op. 104 is an arrangement of an earlier piano trio, and the later fugue is a fragmentary work.

Movements

1. Allegro moderato
2. Adagio molto espressivo
3. Scherzo. Allegro
4. Presto

Influence

This quintet allegedly inspired Schubert to write his own string quintet in the same key (his scoring involves two cellos rather than two violas as in Beethovens's quintet).