BEETHOVEN: UPSTART GENIUS

By the age of 30, Beethoven had captured the attention of Viennese audiences with his charismatic piano playing and provocative compositions. Published in 1801, his first collection of string quartets—Op. 18—marked a thrilling new chapter in his career and stands as a crucial landmark in the development of chamber music. In the second concert of Beethoven’s chamber music this season, CMSCVA highlights the legendary composer’s first quartets. Full of energy and wit, these pieces establish Beethoven’s status as a musical genius. The program includes the dramatic C minor Quartet, the impressive F major Quartet, and the composer’s rarely heard string arrangement of his Piano Sonata in E major no. 9.

Program:

Beethoven │ String Quartet in E major, after piano Sonata Op. 14, Mvt. 1 

Beethoven │ String Quartet in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4

Beethoven │ String Quartet in F major, Op. 18 No. 1