String Quintet
Posted: Tuesday | 01.03.12
Beethoven Quintet
The String Quintet, Op. 29 in C major composed by Ludwig van Beethoven was first published in 1801. This work is a “viola quintet” in that it is scored for string quartet and an additional viola.
In contrast, however, the String Quintet, Op. 4 is an extensively reworked arrangement of one of Beethoven’s earlier works. As such, the Op. 29 is Beethoven’s only full-scale, original composition in the string quintet genre.
Here are two videos for your enjoyment:
First, Beethoven’s String Quintet Opus 29, performed by Benjamin Bowman, Cornelia Löscher, Steven Dann, Michel Camille, Richard Lester at the 13th Esbjerg International Chamber Music Festival 2011
And here’s the same piece: Beethoven’s String Quintet, Op.29 first movement, performed during the 2009 Florida Arts Festival at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers, Florida featuring Toby Appel, and Dave Mastrangelo violins, Cynthia Phelps and Jim Griffith violas, and Ronald Thomas cello. Note: Cynthia Phelps is the Principal violist of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tags: Beethoven, String Quintet, Op. 29, Quintet Op. 4


Hank Zauderer is a violinist and an artist. He regularly hosts an evening classical music program at NPR radio station KUSP in Santa Cruz, California. In the past he was a member of several symphony orchestras and chamber music groups. In particular, he loves the study of great composers and feels that music composition so often reflects the key events that took place in a composer's life.

One Comment
I simply adore Cynthia Phelps!!! She was principal viola with Minnesota Orchestra for a while. She is married to Ronald Thomas who is principal cello with St. Paul Chamber Orch- isn’t that a coincidence given your MN connection?
Did you see her on Live From Lincoln Center on New Year’s Eve?
Keep ‘em coming!!
RD