Composer Of The Week

This week, Donald Macleod reaches the final chapters of his year-long biography of Beethoven. The composer’s remaining years, 1825-1827, were marred by failing health and a traumatic family crisis but also saw Beethoven pushing resolutely forward in his art. He continued to surprise and astonish, producing a series of extraordinary late string quartets. Composer of the Week is returning to the story of Beethoven’s life and music throughout 2020. Part of Radio 3’s Beethoven Unleashed season marking the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.Music Featured:Piano Sonata No. 29 Op.106 ‘Hammerklavier’ (I. Allegro) String Quartet in E flat, Op.127 (III. Scherzando vivace) String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132 (III. Molto Adagio) Kühl, nicht lau, WoO.191 Ars Longa, vita brevis, WoO.192 Piano Concerto No. 4 in G (II. Andante con moto) Piano Trio in D, Op. 70 No. 1 ‘Ghost’ (I. Allegro vivace e con brio) String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132 (II. Allegro ma non tanto) Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 ‘Appassionata’