Beethoven String Quartet 6

Beethoven published a set of six string quartets in 1801. All of the Opus 18 quartets are based on traditional models perfected by Haydn and Mozart. However, in each of the quartets, Beethoven takes liberties with the standard forms of the Classical Period that mark them as his own unique compositions.


DER KOHLMARKT IN VIENNA 1786


String Quartet 6 was Beethoven's most radical quartet of the Opus 18 set, and foreshadows his evolution as a composer. The use of a slow introduction in the 4th movement is particularly unusual, as are the dissonant harmonies explored during that introduction.

The 3rd movement scherzo is written in such a way that finding a downbeat to each measure is extremely difficult while listening. Beethoven's decision to bookend the six quartets with his two most experimental offerings was no accident.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)