Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Ludwig van Beethoven's late string quartets with this captivating collection, "Beethoven: String Quartets Vol. 3." Released on January 1, 2004, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this album is a testament to Beethoven's enduring genius and his unparalleled contribution to classical music.
Spanning an impressive 3 hours and 39 minutes, this volume features some of Beethoven's most celebrated and complex works, including the String Quartets Op. 127, Op. 131, Op. 132, Op. 135, Op. 95 "Serioso," and Op. 130, along with the monumental "Grosse Fuge" Op. 133. Each piece is a masterclass in composition, showcasing Beethoven's innovative spirit and emotional depth.
The album opens with the serene and majestic String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127, and takes you through a journey of contrasting moods and tempos, from the lively and playful to the deeply introspective and profound. The String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131, is particularly noteworthy for its seven movements, each offering a unique emotional landscape.
Beethoven's String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132, includes the moving "Heiliger Dankgesang," a testament to the composer's gratitude for his recovery from illness. The album also features the intense and dramatic String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso," and the playful yet profound String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130.
The "Grosse Fuge" Op. 133, originally the final movement of Op. 130, is a monumental work that pushes the boundaries of string quartet composition. Its inclusion here highlights Beethoven's fearless exploration of musical form and structure.
This album is a must for any classical music enthusiast, offering a deep dive into Beethoven's late period, where he achieved some of his most profound and innovative works. Whether you're a seasoned listener or new to Beethoven's music, this collection promises a rich and rewarding experience.
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: I. Maestoso – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: II. Adagio, ma non troppo e molto cantabile – Andante con moto – Adagio molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: III. Scherzando vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: IV. Finale. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: I. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: II. Allegro molto vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: III. Allegro moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: IV. Andante, ma non troppo e molto cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: V. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VI. Adagio quasi un poco andanteLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VII. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: I. Assai sostenuto – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: II. Allegro ma non tantoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: III. Molto adagio. Heiliger Dankgesang – Andante. Neue kraft fühlendLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: IV. Alla marcia, assai vivace – Più allegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: V. Allegro appassionato – PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: I. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: II. VivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: III. Lento assai, cantante e tranquilloLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: IV. Der schwer gefasste Entschluss. Grave, ma non troppo tratto – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": II. Allegretto ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": III. Allegro assai vivace ma serioso – Più allegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": IV. Larghetto espressivo – Allegretto agitato – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: I. Adagio ma non troppo – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: II. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: III. Andante con moto ma non troppo. Poco scherzandoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: IV. Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: V. Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
Grosse Fuge, Op. 133: I. Overture – Fugue 1 – II. Meno mosso e moderato – III. Interlude – Fugue 2 – IV. Meno mosso e moderato – V. Allegro molto e con brio – VI. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: VI. Finale. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet