Going His Own Way

Beethoven had led the world into a new era of music, and now a fresh generation of artists were emerging behind him to take the next steps into what would become the Age of the Romantics. Nevertheless, the old man was not yet ready to hand over his position as chief musical revolutionary.

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 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.

Piano Trio in D, Op. 70 No. 1 ‘Ghost’, I. Allegro vivace e con brio
Amatis Trio

String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132, II. Allegro ma non tanto
Danish String Quartet

Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 ‘Appassionata’, I. Allegro Assai
Maria Grinberg, piano

Grosse Fugue, Op. 133
Talich Quartet

String Quartet in B flat, Op. 130, IV. Alla danza tedesca .
Vertavo String Quartet