Beethoven op. 131 string quartet # 14 (4/5)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad_eKQh4ru8
Lindsay String Quartet

The String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, opus 131, by Ludwig van Beethoven was completed in 1826. (The number traditionally assigned to it is based on the order of its publication; it is actually his fifteenth quartet by order of composition.) About 40 minutes in length, it consists of seven movements to be played without a break, as follows: 1. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo
2. Allegro molto vivace
3. Allegro moderato
4. Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile — Più mosso — Andante moderato e lusinghiero — Adagio — Allegretto — Adagio, ma non troppo e semplice — Allegretto
5. Presto
6. Adagio quasi un poco andante
7. Allegro

This work, which is dedicated to Baron Joseph von Stutterheim, was Beethoven's favourite from the late quartets. He is quoted as remarking to a friend: "thank God there is less lack of imagination than ever before"[citation needed]. Together with the quartets op. 130 and 132, it goes beyond anything Beethoven had previously written. (Op. 131 is the conclusion of that trio of great works, written in the order 132, 130 with the Grosse Fugue ending, 131; they may be profitably listened to and studied in that sequence.) It is said that upon listening to a performance of this quartet, Schubert remarked, "After this, what is left for us to write?"

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• Op
• 131
• Beethoven
• String
• Quartet
• 14
• C-sharp
• minor
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• Lindsay
• Ludwig
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[beemochobrahms]

The adagio. Oh, my! I usually do not enjoy the slow movements as much, but this is heartbreaking.

[wankmaster]

have listened to the "presto" part of this for at least 500 times. genius

[lazyatthedisco]

Everytime I hear this my arms and fingers start to move uncontrollably, like they're trying to conduct an imaginary orchestra.

[tonysmusic99]

It's a pity to split the slow movement from the last movement, as it is some kind of introduction to it. This is a great version, who are the musicians? I love the power in the last movement

[mccauley1911]

Nothing beats a Beethoven string quartet!

[jkilts]

@anThOneeLLiiThaaP If that part made you cry, click in the related videos where it says "Band of Brothers String Quartet in C-Sharp Minor" It's a powerful scene from a mini series which uses this piece. Now THAT will make you cry!

[Rylan42]

@beemochobrahms Yes, it's profoundly sad.

[jawnps]

I think we're forgetting the scherzo a bit too much here! I can hardly imagine a more exuberant and yet emotional piece. 1:33 - 1:50 is pretty affecting to me. It's lively, and yet emotional.

And the ridiculously naive rhythm and pizzicato are infectious! 

[Welther47]

@wankmaster Where is that. 2:25 perhaps?

[ursin1]

Simply wonderful. It is very difficult to play - but they do it excellent.

[whneo97]

Why isn't this getting more views?

[BakaYanSan]

5:26 ..............................­..........;