Expert: Donald - 9/30/2006

Question
I have a flute and clarinet duet, arranged by George Waln, composed by Beethoven.  I think it was originally written as a flute duet.  The title is Allegro and Menuet.
The allegro con brio is listed at quarter note 104.  The Menuet is listed as Quasi Allegretto with the half note at 69.
When did Beethoven compose this piece and what was the original instrumentation?
I'm teaching this piece to two high school kids for Solo and Ensemble Contest and would like to know more about it's history.  I've searched the internet and found nothing until I found this site.
Thanks in advance!!
Kay Robinson

Answer
Hi Kay,

You are astute to assume that the arrangement is actually taken from a flute duet. This is the case, and I believe that it is taken from the Duet for 2 flutes in G major. It was written for two flutes in 1792. It was originally dedicated to J.M. Degenhart. It was republished in 1901, and it is probably from this publication that your duet is derived.

I hope that this will help. Thank you for taking the time and energy to honor the composer and the music for your student. They are the winners as a result of your scholarship.

Best regards,

Donald Fowler