Scherzo from Symphony #6

Scherzo from Symphony No. 6
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Arranged for Flute Choir by Anthony McDonald
Published by Falls House Press
Includes score and parts

Instrumentation:
Piccolo
4 C Flutes
Alto Flute
Bass Flute
Contrabass Flute

Symphony #6 is a rare programmatic work by Beethoven. The entire symphony is co-named “Pastoral” and each movement has a title suggesting scenes from a visit in the country. The title of the third movement, the scherzo, may be translated to “festive gathering of peasants”. The normal scherzo tempo, a fast 3 usually done in 1, is particularly fitting here, suggesting peasants dancing in a joyous manner. This movement, however, should not be played as quickly as most other Beethoven scherzos. A metronome marking of “dotted half=85” will be adequate to portray the proper mood and style but keep the movement under control. Though somewhat slower than Beethoven's original marking, this tempo is consistent with most well-considered performances. It is important to save some speed for the “presto” near the end, which should be clearly faster that what has gone before.