Minuet and Trio (Jena Symphony)

The so-called "Jena Symphony" is a symphony that was at one time attributed to Ludwig van Beethoven. The symphony was discovered by Fritz Stein in 1909 in the archives of a concert society in Jena, from which it derived its name. Stein believed it to be the work of Beethoven and it was so published by Breitkopf und Härtel in 1911. It is now known that the piece was the work of Friedrich Witt (November 8, 1770 – January 3, 1836).

Stein thought it was quite likely an early work by Beethoven and pointed out some stylistic similarities in the preface to the score. From each of the four movements he singled out a few passages he considered especially Beethoven-like. Stein's belief in Beethoven's authorship was strengthened by the fact that Beethoven's letters show that prior to writing his own Symphony No. 1 he tried to write a C major symphony with Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 97 as a model, and it is easy to find parallels between the Jena Symphony and Haydn's No. 97.

Regardless of the composer, Richard Henry Coleman (3 April 1888 – 17 February 1965) was a cathedral organist, whose career culminated in his service at Peterborough Cathedral from 1921-1944. He was a chorister in St George's Church, Ramsgate before going to Denstone College. He studied organ under Sydney Nicholson at Carlisle Cathedral and Manchester Cathedral.

This arrangement was published by Schott in 1931. At this time, the piece was still clearly attributed to Beethoven, and Coleman states that the symphony was first performed in London in March of 1912.

It sounds wonderful on the Hohlzey organ, and would make a great recital "filler," and could be used as a "wedding attendants" march, if that sort of thing were needed... ;-)

The score is attached below.