Beethoven - Eyeglasses Duo for Viola and Cello | Keith Hamm & Julie Hereish

Duet with two Obligato Eyeglasses WoO 32 for Viola and Violoncello
Ludwig van Beethoven (1796)
Performed by:
Keith Hamm, ESO Principal Viola
Julie Hereish , ESO Assistant Principal Cello
This strangely-titled Duo was written by Beethoven in 1796 but wasn't published until 1912. It was discovered partially incomplete in one of his sketchbooks without any dynamics or articulation markings, giving performers more freedom when interpreting it.
Julie Hereish, ESO Assistant Principal Cello, and Keith Hamm, ESO Principal Viola, shared with us why this was the ideal piece for the couple to perform together.
“The wit and humour of Beethoven is often underemphasized when thinking of his amazing music. This piece is a brilliant showcase of a comedic side more commonly associated with Joseph Haydn. The lovingly titled ‘Duet with Two Obbligato Eyeglasses’ is probably the most famous piece written for our unique household ensemble and was the obvious starting point for us.
There is a spirit of friendship written into this music that keeps us coming back to this great piece. We hope you enjoy!” - Julie Hereish, ESO Assistant Principal Cello and Keith Hamm, ESO Principal Viola.
Video Credits:
Erik Visser - Videographer & Audio Engineer
Jonas Duffy - Head Audio Technician
Warren Bertholet - Head Lighting Technician
Mike Patton - Head of Stage Management
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[@Officialprodbytreybeats]

I used to play the cello part on bass and my violist best friend used to play the viola part, and it was quite an experience!

[@annsieber8705]

Such a fun and accomplished interpretation! I'd just read "I feel that with such a title, the Eyeglasses duo has to be played with a really playful attitude, exactly like two friends having fun, teasing each other." This viola and cello really seem to embody this spirit! Playing by heart really enables this playfulness, too. Nice. (And by the way, way faster than I'll ever be able to aspire to....)

[@mydogsnameisbob]

I am well aware that I am far too young and simultaneously far too old to say this, but... this slaps. Honestly, this is my favorite Beethoven piece I've found so far. Thanks for the performance.

[@benedictcowell6547]

look further, his chamber music is splendid Piano Trios, Cello Sonatas, Violin sonatas, the quintets, the strong quartets. I have a theory that he composed his best works with a woman in mind, his pupils, he had good taste in women, intelligent women, cultured, beautiful, Sadly he was in the wrong class .

[@johngreeve8813]

I could almost see Beethoven smile as he listened to this wonderful interpretation. Thank you!

[@reedmcneely5266]

Thank you. What a treat to listen to you play so beautifully

[@azucena040]

Wonderful interpretation, thanks.

[@CarmenForte]

Wonderful!!!!👏👏👏👏

[@michelhereish158]

Bravo, super interpretation

[@nahuelvargas6883]

i love this piece

[@drmeechbinanddrtinbin3767]

I'm proud of this, the viola isn't that popular and I play it. I'm glad someone still keeps the Viola's music alive! I'm also proud of the cello! You think I was that mean! hah! My friend plays the cello and it has a bit more popularity than the viola.

[@benedictcowell6547]

Try Harold in Italy, it is a prolonged Viola concerto Berlioz, Telemann

[@davidhayes7596]

Bravo !

[@yetlanezi9880]

Hermoso

[@laurianereis2238]

Muito lindo!!!!

[@MrEsoref]

Great performance. But would be better with spectacles!

[@BBauer-hp9dj]

Beautiful rendition! Too bad the audience seats were not full.

[@llewyndavis3917]

Such a beautiful performance. But why on earth is she rushing so much at the beginning? Not in line with the tempo they follow through out the piece at all. Ruins the beautiful opening. Very unfortunate 😔 Other than that I enjoyed it a lot. Thanks 💐

[@micompafox6455]

thats how its written, what do you mean?

[@natashaholmes1040]

She is absolutely not rushing

[@llewyndavis3917]

​@@micompafox6455 I know it's how it's written 😊 It's just that their pulse s don't match at the very beginning, they simply have slightly different tempos in mind and it doesn't settle until the fifth bar. Since viola plays the theme first, her tempo is the one which sounds rushed. Don't get me wrong, I love this performence, listened to it many times. Though each time, I can't help noticing this pulse difference and it makes me wish it weren't there.

[@MrAkifusion]

Horrible.

[@joseguev2529]

wtf

[@benedictcowell6547]

I think Bridgetower was involved some how but I cannot thin how