Adagio cantabile (Sonate Pathetique, Op. 13)

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) composed his "Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 around 1800, around the same time as he completed his "First Symphony." He dedicated the sonata to Prince Karl von Lichnowsky, who had been his patron since 1792.

The entire sonata is very famous, but the 2nd movement, "Adagio cantabile" is one of Beethoven's most enduring and endearing melodies, with it's elegant warmth and nobility.

This transcription was done by Norman Fraser, B. Mus. It appears in the same Schott organ album as the "Intermezzo" that I uploaded a few days ago, composed by William Faulkes.

I could find very little information about Fraser. He appears to have been Scottish, and was a graduate of Durham University.

His arrangement captures the "feel" of the music very well. It is not fussy or padded, but is very true to what Beethoven actually wrote.

That being said, you will still need to be fluent in managing your registrations, and skillful in "translating" the music to the organ.

The score is attached below, and is found on page 64.

Also attached is a painting of Beethoven, done between 1803 and 1805.