Beethoven 250: String Quartets

As I explained in the January 24, 2020 post, I purchased the Naxos collection of Beethoven's complete works, which I plan to listen to this year, leading up to Beethoven's 250th birthday on December 16. These past few weeks I've listened to Beethoven's famous string quartets!  He is known to have composed them in three periods: 1-6 when he was in his late 20s, 7-11 when he was in his late 30s, and 12-16 during his last three years. So they're easily grouped as early, middle, and late. 

Disc 47

Quartets 1, 2 "Komplimentierquartett", and 3

48

Quartets 4, 5, and 6

These six are all Opus 18

49

Quartets 7 and 8 "Rasumowsky"

50

Quartets 9 "Rasumowsky," and 10 "Harp" 

The Rasumowsky quartets are Opus 59, and "Harp" is Op. 95. 

51

Quartets 11 and 12 (Opus 95, 127)

52

Quartets 13 and 14 (Opus 130, 131)

53 

Quartets 15 and 16 (Opus 132, 135) 

I also jumped ahead to Disc 63 which has the "Great Fugue" quartet (Opus 133) that was originally the conclusion of Quartet 13. 

I used to have an LP set of the string quartets. I had read somewhere that they are such a significant aspect of Beethoven's compositions, and that he brought a growing emotional depth to the form. I "cheated" and listened to the Opus 132, 133, and 135 the most, and it's been enjoyable to listen instead to all of the pieces! My favorite among them is 13. 

Here are some articles about the quartets: 

https://www.classicfm.com/composers/beethoven/guides/beethovens-music-string-quartets/

https://ums.org/2016/05/17/beethoven-string-quartets-and-contemporary-musicians-how-do-they-combine/

https://www.all-about-beethoven.com/stringquartet.html\

https://www.newstatesman.com/Beethoven-250-anniversary-myth?fbclid=IwAR2VXcsV0F3dH5OOd4UHjrhybVz8ohrgZgTuqyvowUXLmqvLIBy2cGvnJRQ

Cover page for Quartet #13