The world-famous Brodsky Quartet is embarking on a musical marathon, playing all of Ludwig van Beethoven’s (1770-1827) late string quartets in a single day. These masterpieces, written in his final years, are considered adventurous and intense, and were far ahead of their time. Here, you will hear a composer who breaks all the rules and goes entirely his own way. Surrounding the concerts are lectures and other activities that offer new perspectives on this intriguing music.

In his late string quartets—opus 127, 130, 131, 132, 133, and 135—Beethoven plays with form, time, and emotion: long, meditative movements alternate with capricious outbursts, and seemingly simple melodies take on an almost philosophical charge. It is precisely because of this that this music often feels very direct and human, as if you are hearing Beethoven himself searching, doubting, and discovering. In the famous slow movement of his Twelfth String Quartet (opus 132), a prayer of thanksgiving (Heiliger Dankgesang) is heard that Beethoven wrote after recovering from a serious illness. The monumental Grosse Fuge (opus 133) – originally written as the final movement of his Thirteenth String Quartet (opus 130) – is regarded by experts as a precursor to later, experimental music of the twentieth century.

The Brodsky Quartet takes you on a fascinating journey full of contrasts and gives you the chance to experience these groundbreaking works in a single day.