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Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast

Beethoven String Quartet, Op. 132, Part 2

Sep 8, 2023
Explore Beethoven's recovery from a severe illness and his miraculous composition of four quartets. Focus on the structure, harmonic language, and spiritual dimension of the slow movement of Op. 132. Delve into Beethoven's use of modes, his fascination with medieval music, and the challenges of performing this intricate section. Discuss the second chorale and debate about Beethoven's religious beliefs. Analyze the transition from a dreamlike state to a lively march-like sequence in the fourth movement. Dive into the timeless and shifting third movement, relating it to Indian religious text.
44:37

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Beethoven's severe illness in 1825 gave him two more years to compose, resulting in the creation of quartets that are considered among the greatest ever written.
  • The slow movement of Beethoven's quartet, 'Op. 132', titled 'Holy Song of Thanksgiving of a convalescent to the deity', showcases his fascination with church music and modes, reflected through the unique sound of the Lydian mode.

Deep dives

The remarkable recovery and composition during illness

During an illness, Beethoven thought he was near death, but miraculously recovered for two more years of composition. The quartets composed during this time rank among the greatest ever written.

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