Beethoven-Zyklus VI

Quatuor Ebène

Programme:
Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet No. 7 in F major, Op. 59/1 »Rasumowsky«, String Quartet No. 13 in B flat major, Op. 130, with »Great Fugue« Op. 133

The grand finale of the Beethoven string quartet cycle with Quatuor Ebène! This calls for two works that were revolutionary when they were composed. The first of the three »Rasumowsky« quartets was groundbreaking in terms of its breadth of form and sound – it belonged in a concert hall rather than a private salon. Composed at the same time as Beethoven’s 5th and 6th symphonies, it was the first work of its kind to feature movements of a length and density previously reserved for a symphony orchestra. This opened up completely new possibilities for the string quartet genre, taking both musicians and audiences completely by surprise. The same applies to String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat major. The original version of this piece featured the Great Fugue in B flat major as its final movement. This fugue was later published as an independent work under the opus number 133. Highly expressive, it left a mixed impression on those who were present at its premiere in Vienna in March 1826. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the most daring string quartets of the 19th century, and remains a challenge for any quartet – perfect for the formidable Quatuor Ebène!

presented by dodenhof and swb
in cooperation with the Philharmonische Gesellschaft Bremen