Quatuors du ballet intitulé Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus composé & arrangé pour 2 violons, viola & basse. Oeuvre IX - Beethoven, Ludwig van 1770-1827; Pössinger, Franz Alexander 1766-1827 (Berlin Hummel, 1808)
The Creatures of Prometheus op. 43 is a ballet by Ludwig van Beethoven and Salvatore Viganò (libretto and choreography). The first performance took place on 28 March 1801 at the Vienna Hofburg Theatre as a benefit performance for prima ballerina Maria Cassentini, who also danced the leading female role.
Arrangement for string quartet probably by Franz Alexander Pössinger (1766–1827), an Austrian violinist, composer and arranger, and a contemporary and friend of Beethoven. Pössinger's works for string quartet illustrate in a fascinating way the role of chamber music in canon formation, music publishing and listening culture in early 19th century Europe. The collection of the Beethoven Haus Bonn includes a letter from Beethoven's younger brother Kaspar Karl, who gives Pössinger permission to arrange Beethoven's op. 43 ("The Creatures of Prometheus") for string quartet.
This edition, edited by J.J. Hummel, Berlin, has Plate number 1307Artaria et Comp. Wien, also published in 1803 a version for string quartet "Quatuors pour deux Violons, Viole et Basse tirés du Ballet intitulé Die Geschöphe [sic!] des Prometeus (PlattenNr. 1620), likewise without mentioning the arranger's name.
contains some pensil remarks
Beethoven, Briefwechsel 1, S. 178
C.P.A. Heijmans (stamp)
Keywords: 19th Century (1801-1900); String quartet; Ballet; Arrangement; Germany