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Donald Macleod explores the enduring power, pathos and innovation of Beethoven’s late string quartets with guests Laura Tunbridge and Edward Dusinberre.

Just two years before he died, Beethoven returned to an old treasured form, the string quartet. The five quartets he ended up writing would come to be his final major works, and would change the paradigm beyond recognition. Though dismissed by audiences in their day, their composition is now considered a pivotal moment not only in Beethoven’s life, but in the history of classical music. Donald is joined by musicologist Laura Tunbridge, and violinist Edward Dusinberre to discuss these extraordinary, watershed works that have bewildered and beguiled listeners ever since their creation. Throughout the week, they focus on each of the five late quartets, uncovering the stories, circumstances and conversations that surround them.

Today, we hone in on Beethoven’s swansong, Op 135, but also step back and look at how the legend of Beethoven’s so-called ‘late’ period has been cultivated. Our guests offer their experiences of living within this music, and ponder on what these astonishing works have come to mean for us today.

Composer of the Week is returning to the story of Beethoven’s life and music throughout 2020 as part of Radio 3’s Beethoven Unleashed season marking the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.

String Quartet in F major, Op 135 (1st movement)
Emerson Quartet

Coriolan Overture, Op 62
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Riccardo Chailly, conductor

String Quartet in B flat major, Op 130 (1st movement)
Budapest Quartet

String Quartet in F major, Op 135 (2nd and 3rd movements)
Tokyo Quartet

String Quartet in F major, Op 135 (4th movement)
Takács Quartet

Produced in Cardiff by Amelia Parker