Beethoven cycle with the Quatuor Ébène

The Quatuor Ébène’s Beethoven cycle traces the extraordinary evolution of the composer’s quartet writing. Even in the early works, such as Op. 18 No. 3, he proves himself the equal of Mozart and Haydn. From his middle period onwards, his quartets gain in musical boldness and emotional intensity. A particular highlight of the sombre Op. 59 No. 2 is its second movement, whose floating harmonies were inspired by Beethoven’s contemplation of the night sky. Angular and fractured in character, the “Quartetto serioso” already foreshadows the radicalism of his later works.