Ludwig van Beethoven - String Quartet No. 14, Op. 131

[@ryanchiang2509]

Five days before Schubert's death, his friend the violinist Karl Holz and his string quartet visited to play for him. The last musical work he had wished to hear was Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131; Holz commented: "The King of Harmony has sent the King of Song a friendly bidding to the crossing".

[@nazazaku]

Schubert, after hearing the quartet, said : "After this, what is left for us to write?".

[@creativestudio8329]

It sure is a friendly bidding to the crossing, swords, horses and all. An almost desperate breath of riding the black horse towards styx.

[@loganfruchtman953]

Karl Holz also was a friend was of Beethoven as he was the original violinist who first performed this quartet in 1826.

[@MaureenConner5846]

I first listened to this music on a beach in Mexico with my husband who truly loved music. One immediately hears genius. My husband has been dead for 18 years now, but this brings him alive again for me. Thank you.

[@Ireallylikepuppies]

😢 such a beautiful way to remember your love. Hope youre doing well❤

[@phillipdutton4527]

I am just so glad that out of the billions of planets in the galaxy, I live on the same one that was once blessed by Bach and Beethoven

[@0live0wire0]

Not a coincidence.

[@Ryan-bl5wz]

What other planets?

[@pierfrancescopeperoni]

I don't know what Beethoven wants to say with this, but I just agree.

[@torrentialrage]

I think this was inspired by his teenage nephew. Classical Classroom did an episode on this recently.

[@alessandrocampina9464]

Man , if you already know that the person who created this piece wanted to say something, you are very well in the understanding of classical music, especially when it was created by a genius haha

[@elie2133]

@@alessandrocampina9464 I agree! though understanding the message with programatic music is VERY HARD like how the HELL hard it is holala well anyway it's hard!!

[@kreipflagra3116]

You agree because he doesn't say anything. His music doesn't say anything, but yet you are informed of things you didn't even know you could feel

[@elie2133]

@@kreipflagra3116 what? I mean, it's hard to conceptualize, I agree. beethoven talks through his music. He shares messages, stories and feelings. It's called(having messages and things like that in music without lyrics) programmatic music.

[@pierfrancescopeperoni]

"After this, what is left for us to write?"-Franz Schubert

[@ob4161]

Nothing

[@calebhu6383]

The fact that Schubert- composer of some of the greatest string quartets of all time- said this, really is something.

[@beng7716]

@@calebhu6383 Well I consider Shubert's 14th string quartet (death and the maiden), just as good as this quartet so he must of really loved Beethoven.

[@calebhu6383]

@@beng7716 I was the first violin for the Schubert 14 in many a state competition. Gorgeous piece, I won't disagree with your notion that it's Beethoven level or higher.

[@andrewwiemken6443]

Turns out the answer to this was Winterreise, the String Quintet, and the last three Piano Sonatas, but Schubert would have brushed it off.

[@MusicalBasics]

When I listen to this piece, I just can't help but be completely speechless in awe of the sheer divine beauty. Every note, every melody, every harmony, they tell a story that no one can ever comprehend, but somehow, we can feel its emotions. Works like these is why Beethoven has been and will always be the greatest composer to me.

[@therealrealludwigvanbeethoven]

Beautifully said. Thank you.

[@Συναισθησις]

Sod off Lion*l

[@katrinat.3032]

There is Beethoven and there are all the rest.

[@aswomebro2601]

@@katrinat.3032 each composer has their own world, there is no best - Arthur Rubinstein

[@therealrealludwigvanbeethoven]

@@aswomebro2601 No.

[@theodentherenewed4785]

The final movement is fabulous. The opening's Beethoven's signature big punch, followed by a dramatic melody, then developed further, while Beethoven is the ultimate master of thematic development.

[@samaritan29]

in trying times like this..the best thing to do is forget it all and listen to beethoven.

[@steveegallo3384]

Hear hear! Defense Rests! The Motion CARRIES! Bravo from San Agustinillo!

[@dmfitzsim]

most definitely

[@lifeloveandliteraturejoyeu7967]

💯💯💯👍 The only valid thought is the one that transcends thought. Been listening to these sublime string quartets for over twenty years. They are the only things that have never failed me. But always uplifted and inspired.

[@dosterix6034]

This is still true in 2024.

[@mcrettable]

Some things in this world are actually perfect...

[@objectivitycave11]

Why does this end then?

[@stenarsk6877]

@@objectivitycave11 with perfect ending? of course it had to

[@rubeng9092]

So it can begin anew...

[@darrylschultz6479]

Concentrate on the music and leave me out of it okay...

[@DPCR00]

Especially 26:15 :) 26:40 :) sublime 26:50 :) thought we going somewhere exciting, but we had to come back 27:50

[@josephsummer777]

I listen to the c# minor about 50 times a year, not counting the times I play it in my head. This is - to me - the pinnacle of artistic creation.

[@kofiLjunggren]

Yup, I guesst that your first time listening and you latest time listening to this piece was quite an quite different experience, this is my first time listening!

[@josephsummer777]

@@kofiLjunggren I still recall the first time hearing c# 4tet. I was shocked and thrilled. It took me decades of listening before I felt I could write my first 4tet, in which I twice quoted c#.

[@specialperson335]

@@kofiLjunggren the first listen rarely gives you much, depending a bit on the age of the piece i usually enjoy a piece the most around the 5th listening time

[@Eliza-yd7fi]

My first time listening to Große Fuga was something else, I felt scared and horrified, not intensely of course but it was such a bizarre experience. Now I find it peaceful

[@johnphillips5993]

33:47-34:23 this part... it’s like you hear all the struggles of Beethoven’s life expressed at once

[@TrudyConway]

Goes to show that you don't have to understand anything else about music except how it makes you feel. This one made me bawl like a baby.

[@johnrobinsoniii4028]

I can understand that.

[@thegoalfather9922]

Yes, emotions and feelings you understand but a human could never fully put in words

[@colinmurphy2214]

The 7th movement is pure genius! An absolutely amazing feat of composing.

[@Trouble_Klef]

I would be enjoying this work more if my History exam didn't exist.

[@ferrer65]

Music like this helped me with my algebra homework in college I always felt it woke my brain up.

[@joshuadellinger8279]

6:27-7:03 Man, the despair in the 1st violin and then the viola in this part really gets to me

[@manfredmeier4775]

32:30 like "Hi My Name is Beethoven"

[@johannsebastianbach7920]

manfred meier yes

[@brianbernstein3826]

according to "Records of Vienna" and corresponding research, Beethoven intended these lyrics for this seventh and final movement. the original manuscript show ink marks corresponding to various emoticons, but the decision was ultimately overruled by the publisher, who felt the European public may view it as unpatriotic considering the revolt in the German army during the mid 1850s.

[@adriatorras8077]

what what??? Beethoven wrote "hi my name is beethoven :)" in the last movement? can yougive me some link?

[@alyssacarruthers1679]

manfred meier you suck

[@alexandreviol]

manfred meier up in your ass man. There's nothing like this in the original score. Only your imaginations.

[@TheSteveBerlin]

This is profound music. What a genius LvB was to be able to capture his moods so brilliantly, in every possible musical way. A most complicated, wrenching, sustained essay, one of the masterpieces of human creativity. We are the richer as a species for LvB's genius. Because he reminds us that life is good. And peace is good. Thank you for posting this version, with the score. The Takacs Quartet is one fine ensemble.

[@tvonmove]

Very well put

[@steveegallo3384]

@D-o -- True...but I believe we should acknowledge a high coëfficient of Torment....yes, Wrenching, as Berlin remarked. Greetings from México!

[@katrinat.3032]

The only thing I somewhat disagree with is the Tackas quartet is a fine ensemble. They are superb and rendered such a beautiful execution. Thanks for listening 😉

[@TheSteveBerlin]

I am not a string player, thus cannot really see the difference between fine and superb :-). But this is a peak experience for the soul, and for the New Year. Thank you, again, for posting this endlessly meaningful work. Truly one of the supreme works of art.

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

His moods: the minor and major mode.

[@denisa.jaskier]

30:14 Liebgott: Yeah, all you need's a little Mozart. Nixon: Beethoven. Liebgott: Sorry, sir? Nixon: That's not Mozart. That's Beethoven. ... Nixon: Hitler's dead. Liebgott: Holy shit. Nixon: Shot himself in Berlin. Bull: Is the war over, sir? Nixon: No. We have orders to Berchtesgaden. We're gonna move out in one hour. Webster: Why, the man's not home? Should've killed himself three years ago. Saved us a lot of trouble. Nixon: Yeah, he should've... ...but he didn't.

[@BigBoiLoses]

One of the best episodes of the series.

[@benrow5472]

this is the last song Franz Schubert listened to before he died.

[@fredhoupt4078]

Song? I forgive you. Just use the word "music" and all will be good. What is your source for that anecdote?

[@goodhygieneadvice1478]

Fred houpt is right, a "song" has voices in it. But nonetheless, I think you are right. If it was not the last, it was certainly one of the last. Five days before his death, Schubert listened to this quartet, and afterwards, he is said to have remarked "after this, what is left for us to write?"

[@fredhoupt4078]

Even the definition of a song having a voice and I suppose words with it, is a problematic answer. Consider the many outstanding "songs without words" from Felix Mendelssohn. As for Schubert hearing this music before he died, it is quite possible, though I don't know a reliable source for that claim. Schubert's supposed quote is quite moving, if he really said this. I read a quote attributed to a young Beethoven who had heard some piece of Mozart, maybe chamber music, I can't recall. Anyway, Beethoven made a similar type of remark, which was about the awe he felt for that particular music. Beethoven, as it turns out, admired Handel over all previous composers. This particular Quartet, is one of my favourites.

[@blooeagle5118]

fred houpt Pink Floyd's "Any Color you Like" is considered a song, and has no vocals.

[@tvonmove]

It was. He described listening to it as paradise on earth

[@florriemccarthy2457]

This was what Beethoven regarded as his "most perfect, single work".

[@joshuasussman4020]

For a few years in my teens I listened to the late quartets nearly non-stop. In them, Beethoven reaches deeper and further into the future than any other music does. Thankfully, I have heard the quartets of the other great masters of chamber writing, and nothing even remotely approaches these. In this particular quartet, the spiritual probity is so acute and prophetic, it reaches the extreme outer limits of human imagination, experience and religion. It is a stupefying, humbling experience.

[@ssloestj.4008]

Beethoven was truly the greatest emotional composer. Man had the most beautiful yet complex pieces all to express himself.

[@voraciousreader3341]

Your statement needs, *”IN MY OPINION”* added to it; first of all there is no objective criteria to determine such a thing, because _ALL OPINIONS ABOUT ART ARE SUBJECTIVE!_ Next, I’ve read so many comments like yours, and it’s amazing how a person’s favorite composer or piece ends up being named by them, “The Best In The World”!! Crazy subjectivity, right???

[@ssloestj.4008]

Alright good lad. First, if you need someone starting out with “in my opinion,” then I feel you need to work on your fact and opinion skills. And secondly, I personally made no attack on anyone or their opinion. I stated my view and left it at that. Why you’re making a neutral comment on a KZbin video into an argument is beyond me. Thank you for your grade school lesson on subjective vs objective truth, I learned my lesson good Monsieur.

[@ssloestj.4008]

And quite frankly I don’t need the English lesson. I enjoyed the composition, made a comment saying how I love Beethoven and how I think he is the greatest, and you struck at me. Go listen to Mozart if you want to cause trouble, not to many people there to argue with.

[@garryob9279]

From reading some of the comments, I see some are highlighting their favourite section. For me, 19:46 is probably, if I seriously had to pick a favorite piece from any genre of music, is the most stunning thing I've ever heard. I can't help it, I have tears in my eyes whilst I'm typing. For anyone still reading, I really do hope you find peace and happiness in this life.

[@Gabriel-hs9mv]

Wishing you peace and love too !!!

[@MorrisGlassman]

I am so thankful that I was able to hear this version of the 14th quartet today, powerful and superbly performed. It is truly a glorious work of inventiveness and charm. It hit me deeply in my soul. The genius of Beethoven is so superhuman as is his long lasting glorious music.

[@sylvainpenard9354]

00:00 - 1. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo 03:23 : thème en diminution 06:25 : Thème en augmentation (violoncelle) 07:38 : Transition (octaves) 08:03 - 2. Allegro molto vivace 11:00 - 3. Allegro moderato 11:43 - 4. Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile 14:15 : Première variation 15:14 : Deuxième variation 16:04 : Troisième variation (fugato) 16:55 : Quatrième variation (Adagio - notez présence des pizz) 19:01 : Cinquième variation (Allegretto) 19:48 : Sixième variation (Adagio) 23:34 : Septième variation (Allegretto) 25:10 - 5. Presto 26:14 : Trio 29:37 : fin et transition 30:12 - 6. Adagio quasi un poco andante 32:30 - 7. Allegro 33:20 : second thème (mi majeur) 33:46 : Développement 35:05 : Réexposition 35:52 : Second thème (ré majeur !) 36:44 : Coda 38:20 : Cadence plagale

[@pierpaoloricci5464]

I'm so happy to hear this beautiful quartet that was so important to me, performed by a great string quartet that I didn't know before. I am also happy to read the comments of those who have listened to it before me which make me feel close to them as in a large family

[@epotter397]

the sixth movement is just so heavy and beautiful

[@gcham]

Ive fallen in love with it

[@richardm3421]

...and builds so much tension for the seventh, teasing its arrival multiple times!

[@tobinbaker383]

It reminds me of the Kol Nidre...

[@johnphillips5993]

I believe you're thinking of the 1st movement as well

[@moxyblackfiddler]

Hands down. One of the top 10 string quartets ever. It made made me want to play thr violin.

[@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji]

Definitely; Beethoven's 14th and the 15th (Heiliger Dankgesang), and Schubert's 13th (Rosamunde) and 14th (Death and the Maiden)- are the best string quartets of the classical era (I mean only the classical period, there are a lot of quartets that are as good as these even after the classical period). This is just my opinion, mind you.

[@moxyblackfiddler]

@aaron singer Yes I play now. I heard a recording when I was a kid and fell in love.

[@moxyblackfiddler]

@@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji this one has a special place in my heart.

[@moxyblackfiddler]

@@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji and though not a quartet. I have fondness for Vivaldi's Lestro Armonico Opus 3 #11. It served as an inspiration when I saw a quartet perform it.

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

​@@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji but the important here is to overrate Beethoven as one can, even understanding nothing what is going on

[@pedroa.cantero9449]

Me asombra la capacidad de Beethoven para renovar su música obra tras obra, a modo de esos manantiales míticos cuyas aguas se crecen a cada luna. Pareciese que la sordera le obligara a escuchar cuanto manase de su interior y en él encontrara nuevas formas, temas y fuerza expresiva. Algo tanto más evidente en los últimos cuartetos para cuerdas, que asevera lo que anotó Adorno: « la verdadera razón de la grandeza de Beethoven es que no solo creó buenas piezas una tras otra, sino que produjo sin cesar nuevos tipos, nuevas categorías de música ». Esta en particular, cuya monumentalidad aturde, él mismo la estimó sobremanera y, sin duda, es la obra más ambiciosa de cuantas intentara. Muchos fueron quienes admiraron su magnitud y “perfección”. Schubert la consideró insuperable: “¿Qué nos resta por escribir después de esto?”; de ahí que, poco antes de morir, sus compañeros se la tocaran . En cuanto a Wagner, le dedicaría un ensayo ponderando su grandeza épica. Sus siete movimientos, interpretados sin pausa, a modo de arquitectura titánica, desde la fuga inicial en “adagio molto espressivo” hasta el deslumbrante allegro final, transmiten un sentimiento de unidad que embarga el ánimo, tal es la fuerza irresistible que emana del conjunto. Vigor del que he sido agraciado en algún momento que el recogimiento lo propiciara. Recuerdo especialmente una mañana en la isla Floreana, de amanecida, tras una visión espectral. Sentí la necesidad imperiosa de escuchar este cuarteto mientras el sol ofrecía un resplandor insólito. En los años que llevaba asomándome a la bahía fue la primera vez que esa resurgencia propia del ocaso anunciaba el alba. Pero lo más extraño ocurrió cuando según los diversos movimientos musicales, el océano se disolvía en los compases, como si él mismo lo entendiera, arrobándome aquel diálogo como dicen ocurría a locos divinos al sentirse ajustados al Todo. Un solo ser allí revelado.

[@pablocatalaquintas2656]

usted sabe cómo mezclar los enteógenos con Ludovico

[@Ivan_1791]

Eres todo un poeta la verdad. Siempre disfruto tus comentarios en los vídeos de música clásica.

[@pedroa.cantero9449]

@@Ivan_1791 Gracias Alex. ¡Ya quisiera yo ser un poeta!

[@agseu3668]

Muito bem, Pedro, se eu percebi o teu castelhano, a tua prosa combina bem com o Opus 131, porque tens alguma coisa de poeta, como poeta foi Beethoven, e eu também por o ouvir desde sempre com absoluta alegria e agora por te ler.

[@Trombosilbo]

Resumen: la canción es muy bonita

[@trappaskunk]

Hard to imagine a more beautifully wrought work than this.

[@johnphillips5993]

Nothing can describe just how incredible this work is.

[@alien5270]

My absolute favorite of Beethoven's are the strings works, as much as I adore all his music. He unleashes these tidal waves of brilliance out of the grips of musical conformity in this early years, and in later years becomes philosophical and introspective, transcendent. The music almosts writes itself and you forget there's an author because it's so original and overwhelmingly profound. What a blessing to humankind.

[@alvarito45]

Beethoven seems to have jumped 50 years to the future when he composed this string quartet. It isn't of his time... absolutely!!

[@zenmaster16]

I’d argue that all of Late Beethoven’s works are further advanced than anything that has ever been composed. The Romantics built off of only one aspect of his body of works and no one since has been able to rival his late string quartets. I think that he had seen further along in the evolution of music than we have even reached yet.

[@eduardoguerraavila8329]

¿50 years? This could be easily music from XXI Century. An ageless infinite masterpiece.

[@willhk4809]

@@zenmaster16 100% agree. Late Beethoven is sui generis. On another planet to later composers.

[@vadim4252]

@@zenmaster16 I'd argue that you havent listened to Shostakovichs stringquartets.

[@zenmaster16]

@@vadim4252 actually, very solid point. I love Shostakovich but for some reason I never really group him in my mind with other composers. His music is amazingly different than any other composer I’ve ever listened to.

[@JamesDaSilvamusic]

6:35 Can't get over that cadence. Devastating.

[@herrbrahms]

There's a reason why. Look at the cello line from bars 100-106 and see if you recognize it from elsewhere in the movement. You don't really hear it unless you're looking for it, but it's still there, working on you subconsciously.

[@romanjaviergiordano]

It's so profound, tragic... and yet incredible beautiful.

[@davidrehak3539]

Ludwig van Beethoven:14.cisz-moll Vonósnégyes Op.131 1.Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo 00:05 2.Allegro molto vivace 08:03 3.Allegro moderato - Adagio 11:00 4.Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Più mosso - Andante moderato e lusinghiero - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio, ma non troppo e semplice - Allegretto 11:43 5. Presto 25:10 6.Adagio quasi un poco andante 30:12 7.Allegro 32:30 Takács Vonósnégyes

[@davidrehak3539]

Köszönöm az értékelést

[@therealrealludwigvanbeethoven]

How are you on literally every video I watch?

[@tomdome7164]

6 is the best

[@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji]

@@therealrealludwigvanbeethoven is he a bot?

[@aidengregg]

That chill you get, when you find string quartets hard to get into, but the recognition of the sheer genius of one starts to dawn upon you ...

[@TheodoreServin]

I know it's only 28 measures long, but the sixth movement gets me every time. It's just so sad and beautiful. I love the rest quartet as well, but that movement just is so special. Thank you for posting this, olla-vogala!

[@lafontainemusic6647]

you should write a string quartet :D

[@bag3lmonst3r72]

Consider the fact that when Beethoven wrote this masterpiece, he had been deaf as a brick for some 10 years.

[@dudel39]

no dont consider that, because its factually wrong. Beethoven still had just a little bit of hearing left even in his final years.

[@clark6050]

While it doesn't take away from the beauty of this piece, Beethoven could actually hear his piano just fine. He used a method called "bone conducting" he would stick a metal bar to his piano and bite down on it. The sound resonated through the bar and he could hear the notes just like we hear them now.

[@Vingul]

@@clark6050 yep, just like we hear it, through our teeth. ;-)

[@clark6050]

@@Vingul he still heard it through his ears, the sound just reverberated through his teeth. You can only use bone conducting if your ear drums still work.

[@Vingul]

@@clark6050 cool, I understand. I still doubt he heard it quite in the same way that we do, but I was just being snide of course.

[@maryannam.6288]

Beethoven is one of my favorite music artist ever

[@dutchpropaganda558]

song, artist, aahhh my brain!

[@stenarsk6877]

composer

[@mojeo522]

Beethoven himself never heard this in his life...

[@theyeking7023]

I can't think of anything sadder

[@michaellindsay1579]

That fact never ceases to amaze me. Unfathomable musical genius- can’t wrap my brain around it…

[@marichristian]

Except in his head.

[@alfredoalfaro5000]

Man I wish I wasn't an uncultured swine and could read this music.

[@MrKaheden]

Actually you can ! There's a lot of tutorials about reading music. Just pick one and try !

[@alfredoalfaro5000]

I'll try, do you recommend any in particular?

[@NCbassfishing24]

If you're listening to this voluntarily, you're not uncultured swine.

[@LordJersyBizarre]

check out musictheory.net , in very simple steps you are going to be able to read this.

[@richardm8551]

Learn an instrument, great experience! I would recommend piano if you really want to get to grips with reading music. Reading music is really a means to an end, and too difficult to do for fun :). Learning it to sing is also good if that is your cup of tea.

[@ban9nas177]

The most profound piece of music ever conceived along with the 3rd Mov of the great Hammerklavier.

[@c0ntemporist]

What about the Grosse Fuge?

[@remon563]

It is like the master finally let go of any outward expectations and became free

[@ban9nas177]

​@@c0ntemporist I wouldn't label the Grosse Fuge is as "profound", but it is certainly the most radical thing he ever wrote. When I say "profound" I mean that the music reaches a spiritual depth that plunges to the innermost depths of the soul, it is where we truly realize that what we are listening to is something beyond ourselves, beyond humanity, and, in which, upon listening, we understand most of all that what we are hearing is an outpouring of a man's soul. Many pieces fit this very description, music is very subjective after all lol. For me its the Hammerklavier, this quartet, and Mahlers 2nd symphony (the ending). I hope you understand what I mean :)

[@c0ntemporist]

@@ban9nas177 I totally agree with you and yeah i could see it as a more radical piece than profound.

[@chrismcdonald9120]

In my opinion, Beethoven's 9th symphony and Tchaikovsky's 6th symphony are the most profound, at least from what I've listened to

[@Antifogasta]

i started listening and thinking about the complexities of playing this and by bar 75 I'm fighting back tears for some reason. I have no idea why i have this lump in my throat.

[@sebastientraglia1351]

Antifogasta because the first movement is a terribly moving and strong piece of music. I feel the resignment of a genius in front of suffering and incoming death. Such pathos, amazing.

[@sebastientraglia1351]

And finally death knocks on the door at the opening notes of the last movement.

[@mandodnam]

Wow, this is right in the feels.

[@martinweiss3054]

Antifogasta Because it's gorgeous!

[@fredhoupt4078]

Your physical/emotional response is correct, no matter what it is. Your emotions are being stirred by what Beethoven was feeling. You can attach lots of words to it, like being alone, depression, sadness, etc. The thing with Beethoven, is that for him it was all very personal. With JS Bach, he suppresses his personal self in favour of the idea he is creating in musical notes. Beethoven (and of course Schubert and Brahms) provide musical vibrations for our deepest feelings.

[@ynsmdd8678]

I had the honor to listen to a live performance and it was so beautiful

[@aidanrogers4438]

30:12 Liebgott: ‘All you need’s a little Mozart.’ Nixon: ‘Beethoven.’ Liebgott: ‘Sorry, sir?’ Nixon: ‘That’s not Mozart. That’s Beethoven.’

[@paulsjovold1691]

This string quartet sums up the mood of that episode

[@BigBoiLoses]

Probably the best episode of the series.

[@filizyuksel5771]

@@BigBoiLoseswhat series is this from?

[@BigBoiLoses]

@@filizyuksel5771 A WWII miniseries that aired on HBO called Band of Brothers. It’s about the actions of the American 101st airborne division during the second half of WWII.

[@filizyuksel5771]

@@BigBoiLoses thank you!

[@philipestrin4381]

This is not only the greatest of all string quartets: it is also, indisputably to me, the greatest piece of music ever written. But even more so: it is one of the greatest achievements of the mind, heart and spirit of Man. Few, whether in the arts or sciences, or any other field of endeavor,, have reached the Olympian heights that Beethoven did in his 14th String Quartet.

[@Dan474834]

Well isn’t that controversial...

[@mcrettable]

That's quite the claim haha.

[@mcrettable]

Greatest of all string quartets. hmm... I would have to say the 13th wins with the Grosse Fugue. The 14th is easily second, though.

[@ketanfernandes4094]

Personally I would say Beethoven’s greatest works (in no order): 1. Hammerklavier sonata (the third movement is my personal favorite!) 2. Symphonies 3, 5, 6, and 9 3. Emperor Concerto 4. Moonlight Sonata 5. Große Fuge (also the most underrated of his works) 6. String Quartet 14 7. Pathetique sonata movement 2 8. Missa Solemnis 9. Piano Sonata 32

[@eduardoguerraavila8329]

Absolutely in agreement with you.

[@vaughanosgan2623]

Supreme genius of classical music forever...

[@beautifulcarpetdiagram]

30:13 That's not Mozart it's Beethoven

[@gregoryjclark81]

Yeah, all you need is a little Mozart. Nixon: Hitler’s dead. Liebgott: Holy shit. Nixon: Shot himself in Berlin. Randleman: Is the war over, sir? Nixon: No. We have orders to Berchtesgaden, we’re gonna move out in one hour. Webster: Why, if the man’s not home? Should’ve killed himself three years ago, saved us a lot of trouble. Nixon: Yeah, he should’ve, but he didn’t.

[@dalemacio1055]

Gregory Clark Great now I cant type the dialogue because of this

[@gcham]

Been looking for this part

[@r0shark]

I didn't expect this, I love you fella.

[@ian2083]

What’s this from?

[@marichristian1072]

What a superb performance ! As always, most appreciative of the score. Many thanks.

[@olla-vogala4090]

My pleasure, as always Mari :)

[@mahmoudtarek9921]

​@@olla-vogala4090I have a problem Could you help please?

[@nopedx]

5 stars to olla-vogala for putting this most remarkable piece of music and visual representation together for us. Schubert asked to listen to this days before his impending death. The visual aspect (displaying wonderful counterpoint) alone deserves highest honors. Cheers!

[@Johannludwigamadeus]

Whenever I feel I should finish my life I listen to one of the last string quartetes or one of the last sonatas.

[@antoniosilva7083]

Grande, enorme, transcendente - e apesar disso humano, humaníssimo!

[@Nick-zh3ws]

So did Schubert...

[@tobinbaker383]

same

[@Ivan_1791]

Keep doing that.

[@theodentherenewed4785]

I always keep the belief that there's more to discover. Just keep trying out new musical pieces and the moments of brilliance in music will eventually come.

[@alepiano8685]

4:25 time stops here. Seriously one of the most beautiful, etereal phrases in music

[@HenJack-vl5cb]

Wonderful recording. Much appreciated the score applied.Thank you!!!!!!

[@enescebesoy5593]

"Beethoven" -Sorry sir? "That's not Mozart, that's Beethoven"

[@BigBoiLoses]

“Hitler’s dead,” -Holy shit… “he shot himself in Berlin.”

[@annavagagginihu]

Anyone here for "Hakubo"/"Twilight"? Only me 😶? I discovered that quartet thanks to that "film" (almost 55 min.) 😅 (Sorry for my English: it isn't my native language)

[@remon563]

one of Beethoven's towering works. Mesmerizing counterpoint and fugal writing at its highest point. Nothing but respect.

[@olla-vogala4090]

+Remo Van de sande Wat een prachtig stuk is het he, ben het helemaal met je eens :)

[@michaelbaker3920]

plus the smiths dug it, ca '92

[@TheOneAndOnlyZelenkaGuru]

Bach would be insulted

[@remon563]

@@TheOneAndOnlyZelenkaGuru why ?

[@TheOneAndOnlyZelenkaGuru]

@@remon563 Bach was the highest, no one compares - it is a joke honestly.

[@Dylonely42]

Beethoven is the greatest composer of all time.

[@jaakkokeskinen]

The greatest string quartet ever written.

[@itsvalentino2128]

"germans are good cleaners, they just need some mozart" "beethoven" "mhh?" "It's beethoven, not mozart" anyone that gets this reference is awesome

[@rollingkneebar3534]

Valentijn 02 “Hitler’s dead...shot himself in Berlin.”

[@blooeagle5118]

He shoulda done it three years ago.. Coulda saved us a lotta trouble.

[@alexfincher6982]

“Yeah he should have... But he didn’t.”

[@delando9003]

Very late reply but it's nice to see some Band of Brothers fans actually looked up the piece

[@emmarose6590]

BOB the best series

[@fredogerald1475]

The late string quartets to many in unison of experience the summit of ingenuous composing. The touching expressive often in relaxing sonority , how well brought to light by this combination at its best.

[@gigogrom216]

So ironicly, piano sonata C-sharp minor and String Quartet C-sharp minor are both №14

[@OrlandoAponte]

that would be the opposite of ironic, it's coincidental

[@bgaona]

Outstanding observation.

[@marekvodicka]

The last movement sounds like a soundtrack to someone raging across a room, breaking things, shouting in extreme anger and frustration, then suddenly breaking into tears of joy, remembering some love they lost and the beautiful memories associated with them, then again getting consumed by rage remembering that the person perhaps hurt them horribly and they can't forgive the person for something they've done, then getting consumed by the nostalgia again, and so on.

[@Trooman20]

Considering Beethoven, this probably could be what he was feeling when he wrote that movement

[@zander8780]

30:12 - 6. Adagio quasi un poco andante Perfection. This is so emotional.

[@classicalmusic1175]

"After this, what is there left for us to write?" - Franz Schubert after hearing a performance of Op. 131 on his deathbed.

[@willhk4809]

The first movement is just indescribable. The most profound piece of music ever written.

[@IvanIvanov-rp8ic]

How many times have I read exactly the same words under all manner of classical pieces....

[@robb6560]

@@IvanIvanov-rp8ic yeah... But in Beethoven there's more impact than the others, for me at last.

[@Igneous01]

@@robb6560 I was the same way when I first discovered this. I promise there is much more out there. If you're into monumental works check out Godowsky's Passacaglia and Fugue, or Max Reger's Variations and Fugue on a theme by Bach.

[@robb6560]

@@Igneous01 Thank you, I don't consider this piece the most profound even if it's very special, but the Ninth Symphony... That is ahead of his time, even more than our!

[@wastrel09]

@Will HK--you couldn't be more wrong. You wanna hear profound, listen to this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5LapWePgLOKh9U

[@jameseckert8590]

I know this quartet is profound and all - I get and appreciate that - but also... Many years ago I was watching a nature documentary where a spider was filmed up close constructing her entire web. The accompanying music was the Presto 25:10 of this quartet. I did not know at the time what the music was (I made it a point to find out soon as I could), but I do remember thinking - what perfect music to accompany a spider shown spinning a web!

[@Ivan_1791]

That's cute.

[@mduftube]

Beethoven considered this to be his most perfect single work. Schubert allegedly said of this quartet, “What is there left for us to write?” I appreciate both sentiments and would advise modern composers to give a wide berth to Op. 131 before they sit down to work - this thing will drive you to despair.

[@centrostudicarrara6264]

Just a translation from spanish of Mr. Cantero (see below). I am amazed at Beethoven's ability to renew his music work after work, like those mythical springs whose waters grow with each moon. It seems that deafness forces him to listen to everything flowing from within him and in him he will find new forms, themes and expressive force. Something so much more evident in the last string quartets, which affirms what Adorno noted: «the true reason for Beethoven's greatness is that he not only created good pieces one after another, but he constantly produced new types, new categories of music ». This one in particular, whose monumentality stuns, he himself highly esteemed it and, without a doubt, is the most ambitious work of all he tried. Many were the ones who admired its magnitude and "perfection". Schubert considered it insurmountable: "What remains for us to write after this?"; hence, shortly before she died, her companions touched her. As for Wagner, he would dedicate an essay pondering his epic greatness. His seven movements, interpreted without pause, as a titanic architecture, from the initial escape in "adagio molto espressivo" to the dazzling final allegro, convey a feeling of unity that overwhelms the spirit, such is the irresistible force that emanates from the whole. Vigor of which I have been graceful at some point that the recollection caused it. I especially remember one morning on the Floreana island, at dawn, after a spectral vision. I felt an urgent need to listen to this quartet while the sun offered an unusual glow. In the years that I had been looking out to the bay, it was the first time that this resurgence of sunset announced dawn. But the strangest thing happened when, according to the various musical movements, the ocean dissolved in the bars, as if he understood it himself, robbing me of that dialogue as they say happened to divine madmen when feeling adjusted to the All. A single being revealed there.

[@stenarsk6877]

Thank you

[@stueystuey1962]

I think it's worthwhile to listen to composers that came after him. Much has been done that expands the genre of chamber music. Brahms, Schoenberg, Bartok, Carter, Ligeti to name the obvious and perhaps ten or twenty others. There is so much of Beethoven in all of these composers one's appreciation of the master is greatly strengthened.

[@LanceClark]

I really enjoyed the Presto the most. The build up of tension from those intermittent fermatas and the eventual release that followed felt real good.

[@TheJamesalden]

THANK YOU!!!...

[@gerardbegni2806]

Absolutely wonderful performance. Wow, what an energy in the finale !!!!!

[@louisvalencia5244]

My happiness is as short as the 3rd movement

[@robertbrainerd5919]

Beethoven's last quartets and piano sonatas are still studied (and not understood) because of their remarkable creativity. Most composers' best years come when they're much younger. Beethoven was most creative on his deathbed.

[@vigokovacic3488]

This is by far one of if not the most inspiring string quartet in existance

[@Ivan_1791]

And inspired.

[@thefxbip315]

Aggressive and devastatingly powerful interpretation of last movement.

[@wodzimierzwosimieta2758]

11:01 - opening of op. 59 no 2 11:13 - main theme of 1st mvt op.74

[@makytondr8607]

Beethoven reused a lot of his melodic ideas. Not in a bad way! :)

[@tomwilde5090]

This is my favorite piece by Beethoven. Completely deaf and so amazing.

[@tarikeld11]

37:32 This reminds me of Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings

[@zhongchuxiong]

the first movement sounds like late romantic music.

[@futuropasado]

The Adagio ma non troppo is crushing, one of the most beutiful pieces ever.

[@Don-bv3px]

It is indeed the best Beethoven composition.

[@solitaryfables1335]

this was one of the few songs on voyager 1, set into space on September 5th, 1977. now travelling at a speed of 35,000 mph it is 152 astronomical units away (the space between the earth and sun is one Astronomical Unit). this is one of the few songs travelling upon this spec in our observable universe holding what humanity wants the universe to see

[@alistairmaclean3244]

If it was launched today cardi bs new album would be on it... sad decline of the west

[@klop4228]

​@@alistairmaclean3244 There's no music on the Golden Record that was younger than 18 years old at the time it launched. Cardi B wouldn't be on it. There's some popular music on it (Johnny B. Goode, for example), but most of it is world music and classical music. I'm not a fan of Cardi B. myself, but I don't think it's anything to be worried about. Unless she were paying for it, tbf. Source: voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/golden-record/whats-on-the-record/music/

[@ddc6363]

"The Adagio will tear your heart out." --- Reinhard Heinrich ---

[@jeffputz1853]

"I have never understood the passion for Schubert's sentimental Viennese shit." ~Obersturmbannfuhrer Adolf Eichmann

[@LavaMLG]

Damn lol

[@edwardmiller9994]

30:14 - "That's not Mozart. *That's* Beethoven."

[@BigBoiLoses]

Episode 9 Why We Fight Probably the best of the series.

[@kaspafischer]

God, that opening theme in the first movement is so heart-wrenching...

[@detectivehome3318]

00:00 - 1. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo 08:03 - 2. Allegro molto vivace 11:00 - 3. Allegro moderato 11:43 - 4. Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile 25:10 - 5. Presto 30:12 - 6. Adagio quasi un poco andante 32:30 - 7. Allegro

[@larfthebarfjr]

"It's not Mozart it's Beethoven"... Band Of Brothers

[@clairewonderfullife8819]

This is just absolutely stunning. Beethoven's music touch our souls in an indescribable emotional way. The Takacs Quartet performed this masterpiece beautifully. Thank You!

[@dabrusterguy]

This work reminds me a lot of the Art of Fugue. Interesting this is the type of music computers like to write in the years before their death.

[@marchsteiger]

this is his death, his final breaths, and then dreams of heaven. briliant

[@ieyeshiabates3556]

For someone who just started making instrumental music, I appreciate and fully grasp the beauty, the difficulty, and the emotional balance of this.

[@automatofix]

4. Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile 11:44 Var. I 14:15 (Più mosso) Var. II 15:14 (Andante moderato e lusinghiero) Var. III 16:56 (Adagio) Var. IV 19:01 (Allegretto) Var. V 19:49 (Adagio, ma non troppo e semplice) Var. VI 23:35 (Allegretto)

[@_PROCLUS]

Thank you very much for this

[@jackroark6928]

danke

[@JohnKing-fb7gr]

Just incomparably an emotionally shattering journey of a work.

[@imranussalammian7378]

Hitler's Dead -lewis nixon

[@BigBoiLoses]

Shot himself in Berlin… Great show.

[@kimura3033]

From 5th, to 6th, then to the 7th movement, my gosh, breathtaking.

[@johnminster3205]

Like nothing else in all of Music.

[@tamaranaszer9113]

Amazing!... Of course is this a masterpiece from Beethoven, but it should be also said, what an incredible performance this is from the Takács Quartet. They really were one of the greatest quartets ever

[@joshcurrie624]

Came here from band of brothers “It’s not Mozart, it’s Beethoven.” “Hitler’s dead, shot himself in Berlin.” “He should have shot himself three years ago and saved us the trouble.” “Yeah, he should have...but he didn’t.”

[@BigBoiLoses]

Episode 9 “Why We Fight” One of the best of the series.

[@김남길-q5g]

This is the Music for life!

[@MrDSCH-ib2mx]

I know the piece ends in C sharp major but it sounds like it ends in a half cadence of f sharp minor.