BEETHOVEN: String Quartet No. 12 in E flat major op. 127 | Mono sound | Noise on Vinyl Record

BEETHOVEN: String Quartet No. 12 in E flat major op. 127
I. Maestoso - Allegro
II. Adagio ma non troppo, molto cantabile
III. Scherzando vivace
IV. Finale
1936/10/16, 17, 26 & 1936/11/02 Mono
Busch Quartet
Violins: Adolf Busch & Gösta Andreasson
Viola: Karl Doktor
Cello: Hermann Busch
Abbey Road Studio No. 3, London
EMI
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Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 12 in E-flat major, Op. 127 is the first of his late string quartets, completed in 1825. It was commissioned by the Russian nobleman Prince Nikolai Galitzin and marked Beethoven’s return to the string quartet genre after a decade.
Structure and Movements
The quartet consists of four movements:
I. Maestoso - Allegro: The first movement begins with a majestic introduction, leading into a lively Allegro.
II. Adagio, ma non troppo e molto cantabile: The second movement is slow and lyrical, featuring deeply emotional expressions.
III. Scherzando vivace: The third movement is characterized by a playful and lively rhythm.
IV. Allegro: The final movement is fast and passionate, bringing the quartet to an energetic conclusion.
Historical Significance
Although the quartet did not receive immediate acclaim at its premiere, it gradually gained recognition through subsequent performances. It is now considered one of Beethoven’s significant late works, showcasing his musical innovation and emotional depth.