Composer of the Week: Beethoven: Going His Own Way

Beethoven had led the world into a new era of music, and now a fresh generation of artists were emerging behind him to take the next steps into what would become the Age of the Romantics. Nevertheless, the old man was not yet ready to hand over his position as chief musical revolutionary. This week, Donald Macleod reaches the final chapters of his year-long biography of Beethoven. The composer's remaining years, 1825-1827, were marred by failing health and a traumatic family crisis but also saw Beethoven pushing resolutely forward in his art. He continued to surprise and astonish, producing a series of extraordinary late string quartets. Composer of the Week is returning to the story of Beethoven's life and music throughout 2020. Part of Radio 3's Beethoven Unleashed season marking the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth. Piano Trio Op 70 No 1, Ghost, I; Allegro vivace e con brio - Amatis Trio. String Quartet in Am Op 132, II; Allegro ma non tanto - Danish String Quartet. Piano Sonata No 23 in Fm, Op 57 Appassionata, I. Allegro Assai - Maria Grinberg (piano). Grosse Fugue Op 133 - Talich Quartet. String Quartet Op 130, IV. Alla danza tedesca - Vertavo String Quartet