Opus 63 – Trio in E-flat major for piano, violin and cello, Op. 63. Hess (Anhang 14) – KH 63. Arrangement, made by others, of the String Quintet Op. 4, published in Vienna, Artaria, 1806.

Official title: “Opus 63” Trio (Es-dur) nach dem Quintett op. 4 für Klavier, Violine und Violoncello Fremdes Arrangement Hess A 14.

The arrangements Op. 63 and Op. 64 are probably not by Beethoven. It is not known whether the work was published with Beethoven’s consent. It has not even been possible to determine the arranger.

The first edition of Op. 63 appeared in July 1806. The arranger of Op. 63 and Op. 64 is unknown. If Beethoven had been the author, the publisher would very likely have indicated this in the title. (The non‑original style of the works may be considered minor evidence, since Beethoven’s lack of interest in such works has been attested on various occasions.)

At the very least, he publicly rejected the two arrangements, perhaps also because of his friendly relationship with Artaria.

It is still an open question whether the composer Franz Xaver Kleinheinz arranged these works, as well as the two earlier Opus 41 and 42.

As for the opus number, we must note that between the authorized opus numbers 62 (“Coriolan” Overture) and 67 (Fifth Symphony), there existed a gap, whose cause can be found in Beethoven’s reluctance to keep accurate accounts and in the continual changes of publishers.

Over time, the order of the works was compiled (and completed) more or less arbitrarily by the publishers themselves, with the composer’s tolerance, and with works that Beethoven did not consider too important.

The opus numbers 63 and 64 were probably assigned by the publisher. Both appear in Wh I (1817); the first work was initially published without an opus number, the second with the indication “N° 64”.

First edition (parts): 1806 (July). Vienna, Artaria et Comp., VN/PN 1818.

Title:

“GRANDE SONATE / pour le Forte-Piano / avec Violon et Basse obligé / tirée du grand Quintetto op. 4. / composée / par / LOUIS van BEETHOVEN / à Vienne / [1.:] 1818. [Center:] chez Artaria et Comp, [r.:] 1 f 45 X. / [I.:] C. P. S. C. M.”

– 3 parts in horizontal format. Piano: 22 pages (p. 1 title), Violin: pp. 2–7, Cello: pp. 2–6.

The abbreviation at the end of the title means “Cum Privilegio Sacrae Caesareae Majestatis” (according to the imperial printing privilege that the publisher received in 1782 and again in 1806).

Announcement: Wiener Zeitung, 16 July 1806.