Beethoven Unleashed: Return to Form
Donald Macleod explores the enduring power, pathos and innovation of Beethovenâs late string quartets with guests Laura Tunbridge and Edward Dusinberre.
Donald Macleod explores the enduring power, pathos and innovation of Beethovenâs late string quartets with guests Laura Tunbridge and Edward Dusinberre.
Just two years before he died, Beethoven returned to an old treasured form, the string quartet. The five quartets he ended up writing would come to be his final major works, and would change the paradigm beyond recognition. Though dismissed by audiences in their day, their composition is now considered a pivotal moment not only in Beethovenâs life, but in the history of classical music. Donald is joined by musicologist Laura Tunbridge, and violinist Edward Dusinberre of the TakĂĄcs Quartet, to discuss these extraordinary, watershed works that have bewildered and beguiled listeners ever since their creation. Throughout the week, they focus on each of the five late quartets, uncovering the stories, circumstances and conversations that surround them.
Composer of the Week is returning to the story of Beethovenâs life and music throughout 2020. Part of Radio 3âs Beethoven Unleashed season marking the 250th anniversary of Beethovenâs birth.
Music Featured:
String Quartet No 12 in E flat, Op 127
Symphony No 9 (Finale, part 1)
Bagatelle in E flat, Op 126 No 3
String Quartet in A minor, Op 132
Fidelio, Act I: âAbscheulicher, wo eilst du hin?â
String Quartet in B flat major, Op 130
Piano Sonata in G major, Op 79
Grosse Fuge, Op 133
Piano Sonata No 30, Op 109 (1st movement)
String Quartet in C sharp minor, Op 131
Lob auf der Dicken, WoO 100
Falstafferel, WoO 184
String Quartet in F major, Op 135
Coriolan Overture, Op 62
Presented by Donald Macleod
Produced by Amelia Parker for ±«Óătv Wales
For full tracklistings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Beethoven Unleashed: Return to Form /programmes/m000jnlz
And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers weâve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z
Podcast
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Composer of the Week
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of composers.