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Beethoven unveils a major new string quartet, but after promising the premiere to two different ensembles, he's faced with an awkward confrontation.

Beethoven unveils a major new string quartet, but after promising the public premiere to two different ensembles, he’s faced with an awkward confrontation.

This week, Donald Macleod reaches the final chapters of his year-long biography of Beethoven. The composer’s remaining years, 1825 to 1827, were marred by failing health and a traumatic family crisis but also saw Beethoven pushing resolutely forward in his art. He continued to surprise and astonish, producing a series of extraordinary late string quartets.

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

Piano Sonata No. 29 Op.106 ‘Hammerklavier’, I. Allegro
Mitsuko Uchida, piano

String Quartet in E flat, Op.127, III. Scherzando vivace
Van Kuijk Quartet

String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132, III. Molto Adagio
Tokyo String Quartet

Kühl, nicht lau, WoO.191
Ars Longa, vita brevis, WoO.192
Accentus

Piano Concerto No. 4 in G, II. Andante con moto
Krystian Zimerman, piano
Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Leonard Bernstein

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 30 Nov 2020 12:00

Music Played

  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    String Quartet in A minor, Op 132 (excerpt)

    Ensemble: LaSalle Quartet.
    • DG : 431 141 2.
    • DG.
    • 4.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Piano Sonata No 29 in B flat major, Op 106 "Hammerklavier" (1st mvt)

    Performer: Mitsuko Uchida.
    • PHILIPS : 475-8662.
    • PHILIPS.
    • 4.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    String Quartet in E flat major, Op 127 (3rd mvt)

    Ensemble: Van Kuijk Quartet.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    String Quartet in A minor, Op 132 (3rd mvt)

    Ensemble: Tokyo String Quartet.
    • Harmonia Mundi HMU807641/48.
    • Harmonia Mundi.
    • 3.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Kuhl, nicht lau, WoO 191

    Ensemble: Accentus Ensemble.
    • WARNER CLASSICS : 9029531420.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.
    • 39.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Ars Longa, vita brevis, WoO 192

    Choir: Accentus Chamber Choir.
    • WARNER CLASSICS : 9029531420.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.
    • 15.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Piano Concerto No 4 in G major, Op 58 (2nd mvt)

    Performer: Krystian Zimerman. Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic. Conductor: Leonard Bernstein.
    • DG E4354672.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 11.

Broadcast

  • Mon 30 Nov 2020 12:00

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