Ludwig van Beethoven · Classification
1770–1827
1798 - 1800 · String Quartet · Vienna
Tonality
Without a unique tone. There are six quarters: 1 in fa major, No. 2 in major sun, No. 3 in major, No. 4 in minor, No. 5 in the largest and No. 6 in if bemol greater.
Instruments
- 2 violins
- Viola
- Cello
From the atril
Writing string quartets in 1800 Vienna, with Haydn still alive, was to be measured with the master of the genre. Beethoven took his time, studied in depth the quarters of Haydn and Mozart, and published in 1801 his first six quarters, op. 18, dedicated to Prince Lobkowitz. The result shows a composer who dominates tradition and begins to force its limits.
Every quartet has its character. # 1 in fa major has an inspired adagio, as Beethoven told a friend, at the scene of the tomb of Romeo and Juliet. # 4 in do menor is the most dramatic, with the tonality that Beethoven reserved for his most intense works. # 6 ends with a titled movement «Malinthia», a slow introduction of strange harmonies that alternates with a cheerful allegretto. For a quartet, they are the forced starting point of the Beethovenian cycle: they demand clarity, energy and a perfect balance between the four voices.
What to hear
- The adage of # 1, inspired by Romeo and Juliet.
- The drama of # 4 in the minor.
- «Malinthia» No 6.
Listen
Beethoven - String quarters Op. 18 · bachlokillo
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