The String Quartet No. 12 in E-flat major, Op. 127, by Ludwig van Beethoven, was completed in 1825. It is the first of Beethoven's late quartets. There are four movements:
The first movement is interrupted several times — just before the development of the sonata form begins, and when that section is almost but not quite over — by the Maestoso which opened the work.
The immense second movement is in the subdominant key of A-flat major. It consist...
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The String Quartet No. 12 in E-flat major, Op. 127, by Ludwig van Beethoven, was completed in 1825. It is the first of Beethoven's late quartets. There are four movements:
The first movement is interrupted several times — just before the development of the sonata form begins, and when that section is almost but not quite over — by the Maestoso which opened the work.
The immense second movement is in the subdominant key of A-flat major. It consists of a set of six variations and a coda. The first variation is in 12/8 meter with darker harmonies and quick changes in dynamics. The second variation increases the tempo to andante con moto but shortens the meter to 4/4. Here the viola and cello are pizzicato with the two violins engaging in a dialogue. The third variation shifts to the remote submediant key of E major and the tempo shifts to a hymn-like adagio molto espressivo. The fourth variation returns to 12/8 meter and drops a half-step to the dominant key of E flat major. This...
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