Beethoven noted in his diary that one should direct energy towards life's affairs without worrying about the result, with motivation in the deed itself, not its outcome.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's sketchbooks for Op. 59 No. 1 show over a hundred melodic and rhythmic modifications for a cello theme that appears to flow naturally.
Composition History
Beethoven's middle period quartets, including the three 'Razumovsky' Quartets, Op. 59, were composed between 1806 and 1810.
Composition History
Beethoven's first six string quartets, Op. 18, were composed between 1798 and 1800 while he lived with his patron, Prince Lichnowsky.
Interpretation
The Quatuor Ysaÿe, the performers on this album, do not seek homogeneity of sound but rather unity of expression, an approach described as 'Latin'.
Composer Biography
Beethoven's deafness, an ailment naturally fatal for musicians, was likely caused by regular consumption of poor-quality Hungarian wine containing lead.
Performer Biography
Miguel da Silva, a member of the Quatuor Ysaÿe, spent thirty years living in the 'esoteric formation' of the string quartet.
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