String Quartet No. 1 in F major, op. 18
String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat major, op. 74 “Harp”
String Quartet No. 14 in C# minor, op. 131
 
Beethoven was the master of the string quartet, and this program explores works from his early, middle and late periods. His first quartet bears the classical stamp of Haydn, with whom Beethoven studied during his 20s. The “Harp” quartet, nicknamed for the pizzicato figures in the first movement, is the most symphonic of his quartets. Finally, his opus 131 quartet departs from the traditional four-movement structure and is written in seven sections that run together without pause, transforming the string quartet forever.
 
Sponsored by Warren Jensen and Jean Kidder.