Scherzo
Symphony No. 7 – Op. 92 by Beethoven was deemed by Beethoven himself to be one of his best works. It was immediately quite popular and movements from it were often requested as encores. Frances has nicely captured the orchestral feel of this 3rd movement with the lively Scherzo scored in 3/4 time; however, the Spirito pulse dances along in "one". Voicings throughout move between bells and handchimes with table mallets, thumb damps, and shakes adding energy and texture. The elegant Maestoso section features handchimes enjoying interplay with the bells before returning to the opening theme, this time rung Vivace! It is a Level 3 at a more moderate pace, but at tempo, will be a bit more challenging.
It should be noted that Beethoven conducted the premiere at a charity function honoring the soldiers wounded in battle, and part of his introduction included: "We are moved by nothing but pure patriotism and the joyful sacrifice of our powers for those who have sacrificed so much for us." This and Frances' arrangement of the 2nd movement, "Allegretto", are lovely pieces to program during these unsettling and challenging times.