# Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

The low-string fugato of the Trio, which the violas take up after the cellos and basses. Tests clarity and off-string articulation.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Ludwig van Beethoven

- **Work:** Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

- **Movement:** III. Allegro (Trio)

- **Era:** Classical (c. 1750–1820)

- **Composed:** 1808

- **Clef:** Alto clef

- **Difficulty:** Advanced

- **Audition list:** Standard excerpt

## Bowing

Light off-string playing in the lower half, springy rather than dug in.

## Where it goes wrong

Do not accent the first beat of each bar, the phrase runs across the bar lines.

## Style

The passage is marked quietly and should stay mysterious; most players take it too loud.

## Techniques

symphony, audition, fugato, spiccato

This public reference contains work information and original practice notes. It does not publish the excerpt notation or grant permission to copy a score. Score access and rights depend on the edition and jurisdiction.

## Related excerpts

- [Mozart: Haffner Symphony, IV, Presto](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/mozart-35-iv-viola), Fast classical passagework testing clarity, lightness, and rhythmic discipline at speed. Advanced; Classical; Alto clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/beethoven-5-iii-viola