RONDO flute duet, from Piano Sonata no 27 opus 90, 2nd movement, by BEETHOVEN, arranged E. Walker

RONDO from Piano Sonata no 27 opus 90, 2nd movement 'Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singer vorgetragen' by Ludwig van BEETHOVEN arranged for 2 flutes by Elizabeth Walker. Performed by Elizabeth Walker and Rosie Bowker on 8 keyed classical flutes, on Friday 19th June 2026 in St Mary's Church, Twickenham. My thanks to Steven Devine for directing the project, to Floyer Sydenham Films for sound and visuals and to the parish of St Mary's and Father Jeff Hopkin Williams for allowing us to use the church. The 2025 recording by Víkingur Ólafsson of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90 immediately inspired Elizabeth to arrange the second movement for two flutes. The German title, “Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen” (“Not too swiftly, and in a singing manner”), offers only a general sense of tempo. While Liz has suggested a metronome marking, the movement’s structure—featuring four repeated statements of the main theme, a distinct second subject, and shifts through multiple keys and emotions—benefits from a flexible approach to tempo. What attracted Elizabeth most to this movement, was the Rondo’s lyrical, Romantic, flowing character. Composed in 1814 as a gift for Count Moritz Lichnowsky, it may be considered to reflect Beethoven’s response to his friend’s love for his new mistress (soon to be second wife). The original manuscript of this sonata can be viewed in Bonn at The Beethoven House, and this arrangement is for sale at Alry Publications. https://ummpstore.com/collections/wal...