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Beethoven’s relationship with his nephew, Karl, spirals downwards to the point where the young man feels he has no way out and does something desperate.

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 his 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.

String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132, V. Allegro appassionato
Brodsky Quartet

String Quartet in B flat, Op. 130, II. Presto & III. Andante con moto ma non troppo
Julliard Quartet

Septet, Op. 20, I. Adagio – Allegro con brio
Stuttgart Philharmonic Septet

String Quartet in C sharp minor, Op. 131, I. Adagio, ma non troppo e molto expressivo
LaSalle Quartet

String Quartet in C sharp minor, Op. 131, mvts. V-VII
Emerson Quartet