Whilst I have had some fun with adding 'extra' parts to exisitng classical pieces, on this occasion I have tried to complement Beethoven's original piano piece by adding two flute parts over the top, which hopefully does not significantly alter the mood and sense of the original.


Originally, under the title of Moonlight Obbligata!, I simply added a second piano part over the top, but felt that the sound of two flutes would be equally as suited. In order to make their lives easie... (more)

Whilst I have had some fun with adding 'extra' parts to exisitng classical pieces, on this occasion I have tried to complement Beethoven's original piano piece by adding two flute parts over the top, which hopefully does not significantly alter the mood and sense of the original.


Originally, under the title of Moonlight Obbligata!, I simply added a second piano part over the top, but felt that the sound of two flutes would be equally as suited. In order to make their lives easier, I have transposed Beethoven's original up a semitone into D minor - a nicer key for flutes!

All Reviews

There are 3 reviews for this score

Nicely Done!
I completely agree with Mr Morse, and his comments on the success of this arrangement. I particularly like the rhythmic salute to the first subject of the 5th symphony at H!

Keith Terrett

success!
Kudos on this interesting and musical arrangement. Unlike the small army of vainglorious hacks hereabouts who think nothing of mauling Haydn or Beethoven to suit their own sordid miscalculations, Phillip Buttall is sensitive enough to the original text not to trample it, and courageously true enough to his own ear that he finds something genial and worthwhile to add to this already remarkable piece. The key change to D Minor is at once dramatic and appropriate, entirely suited to the ensemble. Buttall's ear for Beethoven's harmony is acute, so these obbligato lines make fine counterpoint. My one quibble, if it is even that, is that the added parts tend to add weight to the triplets, and so etch the pulse a little more sharply than in the solo piano version. Some of Beethoven's rhythmic subtlety is lost or impinged in the process. MW Morse

Michael Morse

An interesting addition
This piece would be an interesting addition to any flautists repertoire. It would be ideal as an encore piece. Taking the first movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata as the basis, the two flutes 'accompany' the piano with an interesting pattern of contrapuntal fun, always intertwining their melodies, without overdoing it and taking over from the piano melody line. An interesting arrangement to be sure, and and enjoyable one at that. Well done.

Paul Copeland