Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Ludwig van Beethoven's late string quartets with this captivating collection, "Beethoven: String Quartets Vol. 3." This album, released in 2004 by Decca Music Group Ltd., is a testament to Beethoven's genius and his enduring influence on classical music. Spanning a generous 3 hours and 39 minutes, this volume is a treasure trove of chamber music masterpieces, performed with exquisite precision and passion by the renowned Takács Quartet.
The album features some of Beethoven's most celebrated string quartets, including the monumental String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130, with its famous "Cavatina" movement, and the profound String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132, which includes the "Heiliger Dankgesang" (Sacred Song of Thanksgiving). Also included is the monumental Grosse Fuge, Op. 133, originally composed as the finale to Op. 130 but later published separately due to its complexity and length.
Each track is a journey through Beethoven's evolving style, from the lyrical and introspective to the dramatic and intense. The album showcases the full range of Beethoven's emotional and technical mastery, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a long-time admirer of Beethoven's work or a newcomer to his string quartets, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the timeless beauty and innovation of his compositions.
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: I. Maestoso – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
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, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: III. Scherzando vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: IV. Finale. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: I. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: II. Allegro molto vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: III. Allegro moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: IV. Andante, ma non troppo e molto cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: V. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VI. Adagio quasi un poco andanteLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VII. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: I. Assai sostenuto – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: II. Allegro ma non tantoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: III. Molto adagio. Heiliger Dankgesang – Andante. Neue kraft fühlendLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: IV. Alla marcia, assai vivace – Più allegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: V. Allegro appassionato – PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: I. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: II. VivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: III. Lento assai, cantante e tranquilloLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: IV. Der schwer gefasste Entschluss. Grave, ma non troppo tratto – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": II. Allegretto ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": III. Allegro assai vivace ma serioso – Più allegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": IV. Larghetto espressivo – Allegretto agitato – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: I. Adagio ma non troppo – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: II. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: III. Andante con moto ma non troppo. Poco scherzandoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: IV. Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: V. Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet
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, Takács Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: VI. Finale. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Takács Quartet