Immerse yourself in the profound and introspective world of Ludwig van Beethoven's late string quartets with this exceptional collection released by Decca Music Group Ltd. on January 1, 2001. Spanning an impressive three hours and thirty-four minutes, this album is a testament to Beethoven's enduring genius and his unparalleled contribution to the classical music canon.
The album features a comprehensive selection of Beethoven's late string quartets, including the iconic String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130, with its renowned "Cavatina" movement, and the monumental String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132, which includes the deeply moving "Heiliger Dankgesang" (Sacred Song of Thanksgiving). The collection also showcases the intricate and complex String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131, and the final String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135, along with the monumental "Grosse Fuge," Op. 133.
Beethoven's late string quartets are celebrated for their innovative structures, rich harmonies, and profound emotional depth. This album offers a rare opportunity to experience the full breadth of Beethoven's late chamber music in one comprehensive collection. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Beethoven's work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The performances are rendered with exquisite precision and emotional resonance, bringing Beethoven's masterpieces to life with stunning clarity and depth.
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: I. Maestoso – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
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, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: III. Scherzando vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: IV. Finale. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: I. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: II. Allegro molto vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: III. Allegro moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: IV. Andante, ma non troppo e molto cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: V. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VI. Adagio quasi un poco andanteLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VII. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: I. Adagio ma non troppo – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: II. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: III. Andante con moto ma non troppo. Poco scherzandoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: IV. Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: V. Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: VI. Finale. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: I. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: II. VivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: III. Lento assai, cantante e tranquilloLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: IV. Der schwer gefasste Entschluss. Grave, ma non troppo tratto – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: I. Assai sostenuto – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: II. Allegro ma non tantoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: III. Molto adagio. Heiliger Dankgesang – Andante. Neue kraft fühlendLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: IV. Alla marcia, assai vivace – Più allegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: V. Allegro appassionato – PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
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, Quartetto Italiano