Program: A Sampler of movements from Beethoven's Early, Middle, and Late Periods

About the Music (notes by David Brickman):

    We were asked by WXXI to present a program of movements from Beethoven’s string quartets.  We have prepared this “Sampler” to highlight the three periods scholars refer to when describing the master’s oeuvre.   From the Early Period we have selected the elegant first movement from the String Quartet Opus 18, No. 2.  The Middle Period is represented by the second and third movements of the String Quartet Opus 95, which are played without interruption.  The second movement is replete with singing melody that expresses unfulfilled longing; the third movement is a Scherzo of jagged rhythms and sudden contrasts, ending with abrupt anger.  The Late Period is represented by the fourth and fifth movements of the String Quartet Opus 132, also performed without interruption.  The fourth movement is a terse and rapid march, which connects to the Finale by means of an accompanied recitative.  Listeners may recall the Bass solo, which introduces the “Ode to Joy” movement of Beethoven’s ninth symphony.  The Finale is a lilting and yearning waltz-like rondo, which has episodes of obsessive outburst and ends with a furiously rapid sprint. 

There are multiple ways for you to enjoy this concert - the best will be attending in person at the glorious Auditorium at Hochstein (bag lunches are welcome!) with WXXI radio host Mona Seghatoslami. We'll be broadcast live on the radio (WXXI 91.5 FM), streaming live on the web (http://player.nprstations.org/wxxi/#stream/wxxi-fm), and re-broadcast on Wednesday October 21 at 10:10 pm.