Presented by Leo Samama.
In this episode of the string quartet, the impressive String quartet in B-flat opus 130 by Beethoven stands central. With both finales, the original: the Great Fugue, and the eventual: an elaborate Allegro. A review in response to the first performance speaks volumes: “The first, third and fifth part are serious, dark and mystical, and thereby sometimes also bizar, crude and capricious; the second and fourth part are full of intent, gaiety and roguishness. The great composer, who in particular in his most recent works seldomly knows how to keep beat and destination, has hereby pronounced himself unusually brief and to the point. With tempestuous acclaim the repeat of both parts was desired for. But to imply the point of the fugue final, the reviewer would not dare to meet this challenge: for him it was incomprehensible, Chinese. […]”
Beethoven’s secretary Anton Schindler named the String quartet in B-flat in 1840 a “Monster of all music”.
Beethoven – String quartet in B-flat, opus 130
1. Adagio ma non troppo. Allegro – 2. Presto – 3. Andante con moto, ma non troppo. Poco scherzoso – 4. Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assai – 5. Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivo – 6a. Grosse Fuge (opus 133) – 6b. Allegro
Performers: Alban Berg Quartet
CD: Warner Classics
