Beethoven's two duos were originally written for Clarinet and Cello, but are often performed with Bassoon. They were published without an opus and were probably intended as gifts for friends or to be performed at a private chamber music soiree. Mr. Sauer's arrangements are delightful to play. Duos 1 and 2 have three movements; the first in the traditional Sonata form, the second a "slow movement" Larghetto and third movement a zippy Rondo. Duo 3 begins with a first movement Allegro and the second movement is an Aria with Variations, having a quick "gigue-like" Allegro tacked on to the end. These duos may be performed by Tenor and Bass Trombone or 2 Tenors, with the 2nd part needing an f-attachment to reach down for some D's and C's. The first parts are all in Tenor clef and these threee works are of moderate difficulty.
