Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Full Score

by Ludwig van Beethoven

Book Overview

Beethoven's symphonies are among this greatest works -- in the opinion of many, the greatest orchestral compositions in the history of music. Perfect in their fusion of emotion and form, filled with drama and great beauty, they are among the best-known and best-loved works in all classical music. This volume contains complete scores for Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21; Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36; Symphony No. 3 in E-flat...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 048626033X
• ISBN13: 9780486260334
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 9.1" x 12.0"

Customer Reviews

Just do your research

These reproductions are an invaluable resource and are a great value for any musician. I have used these as conductor's scores myself. While using critical editions is preferable, they are also very expensive. For a struggling musician, spending a little time on research can turn these scores into just as good as a critical edition and for about 1/10th of the cost.

Very good quality editions for study and listening - will last for years

I appreciate the Dover edition of these works because the large format makes for easier reading and provides room for making notes while you are studying. For example, you might want to make something special or unique to one recording so that when you listen to another you can compare the two. And if you don't read music very well, these symphonies are a good place to start. You can listen to the music and what the shapes go by. And eventually you will get used to the link between the sound and what you see. These scores are not as dense as, say Mahler or Strauss or works with huge orchestras. So, the classics make a great way to get into the pool, so to speak. Honestly, even if you can't read the notes, you will notice things after a few listenings that you had not heard before because you see the `shape' in the score. The Dover editions are also very durable and will last for many years of use. These editions are nice and clear and easy on the eyes because the contrast between the dark ink and light paper is very good, but not blinding. Recommended. Expand your horizons!

Worth Having

These scores (as well as those of the other symphonies) are worth having. Serious students of music can take invaluable lessons from Beethoven's knowledge of counterpoint, orchestration, dynamics, melody, harmony, and form. Additionally these are great listening aids, pointing out "Nebenstimmen" ("secondary voices") that might not be noticed at first listen. This way one can learn to enjoy Beethoven (and other music) as many melodies intertwining into a larger fabric.

student's companion

This edition of the first four symphonies followed me through my conservatory training, including some extremely frightening conducting lessons in front of a bored orchestra. There are no errors in the score that I have ever found, and the music is clear and easy to read. The best edition of a necessary score for any orchestral musician.