Duration: 6.5 minutes

Minimalist Beethoven rushing down the tracks! Waldstein Express is an energetic fantasia based on the first movement of Beethoven's Sonata No. 21, (Op. 53) "Waldstein." Beethoven's opening two measures are repeated throughout as a ground bass á la Steve Reich, with other motivic fragments from Beethoven's original appearing in the upper voices along with freely composed material. Other cameo appearances include the bass line from the coda of the first movement Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, the opening of the C major Prelude from the Bach WTC, a little Gershwin, and a little Jerry Lee Lewis.

It might be effective if, in performance, it were introduced with one of the pianists explaining the work and playing key excerpts from Beethoven's original to help the audience in identifying the borrowed material. Click here for a suggested script.