Ludwig van Beethoven's "The Late String Quartets" is a monumental collection of his final major compositions, offering a profound and introspective journey into the mind of one of classical music's greatest composers. Released in 2001 by Decca Music Group Ltd., this album spans an impressive three hours and thirty-four minutes, featuring six string quartets and the monumental "Grosse Fuge."
The quartets, composed in the last years of Beethoven's life, are renowned for their complexity and innovation, pushing the boundaries of musical expression. Each quartet is a masterpiece in its own right, showcasing Beethoven's unparalleled ability to blend technical brilliance with deep emotional resonance. From the serene beauty of the String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127, to the dramatic intensity of the String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132, the album offers a rich tapestry of musical experiences.
The String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135, the last major work Beethoven completed, is a testament to his enduring genius. The "Grosse Fuge," originally the finale of the String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130, is a tour de force of contrapuntal complexity and emotional depth.
This album is not just a collection of music but a testament to Beethoven's enduring legacy. It is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the depth and breadth of his musical genius. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Late String Quartets" offers a timeless and enriching experience.
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
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