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Donald Macleod looks at Beethoven's final two years, which produced his late string quartets, considered the greatest achievements of his life.

Donald Macleod considers Beethoven's final two years, which saw the creation of his late string quartets - the crowning achievements of the composer's life.

The programme includes the last movement of Beethoven's last quartet, along with the canon that inspired it. And there is a complete performance of the Quartet in E flat, in a celebrated showcase by the Guarneri Quartet.

Da ist das Werk, WoO 197 (1826)
Members of the Kammerchor der Berliner Singakademie
Deutsche Gramophon 453 794-2
CD 2 Track 64

Es muss sein, WoO 196 (1826)
Members of the Kammerchor der Berliner Singakademie
Deutsche Gramophon 453 794-2
CD 2 Track 64

String Quartet No 16 in F, Op 135 - 1826 (finale)
Takacs Quartet
Decca 470 849-2
CD 2 Track 9

Ecossaise in E flat, WoO 86; Allegretto quasi andante in G minor, WoO 61a; Waltz in D, WoO 85
Gianluca Cascioli (piano)
Deutsche Gramophon 453 733-2
CD2 Tracks 24, 19, 23

String Quartet No 12 in E flat, Op 127 (1825)
Guarneri Quartet
CD 2 Tracks 8-10
CD 3 Track 1.

1 hour

Last on

Fri 13 Feb 2009 22:00

Broadcasts

  • Fri 1 Feb 2008 12:00
  • Fri 1 Feb 2008 20:45
  • Fri 13 Feb 2009 12:00
  • Fri 13 Feb 2009 22:00

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