The Fidelio Overture was written in 1814 to open Beethoven's only opera by the same name. This string orchestra arrangement is transposed from the original E major to the more approachable key of D major. It retains the original opening which alternates between powerful majestic bursts and lyrical harmonic progressions, finishing with the energetic presto to the end. Optional timpani gives this arrangement a symphonic quality that closely resembles the original.