Description
Beethoven’s Op.87, a trio originally written for 2 oboes and English horn, was composed n 1794 in Vienna when he was 24. It was penned for a growing number of amateur performers and was quickly arranged for numerous other combinations of instruments. In 1806 he approved publication of it for 2 violins and viola; for this reason I thought it not out of the realm of possibility to arrange it for two guitars, much in the same way I have arranged 4 of the 5 Divertimentos by Mozart. The high Op. number (87) was used for this 1806 version but in actuality the work was composed before his published Op. 1. The last movement i felt was not suitable for duo so I “borrowed” the Rondo in the same key from a duo for clarinet and bassoon (Drei Duos #1 WoO 27) and believe it keeps in character and purpose. The duos were also from an early period like the trio and also have been arranged for numerous instruments. I have endeavored to keep the articulation marks intact and have used the device of repeating pitches that were very long and tied together.