Back to the Future

Beethoven's string quartet will finally be performed in Risør Church again. But the first part of the concert is crucial to understanding Beethoven's last great work.

Date
Time
–
Venue
Risør kirke
Buy tickets
En glødende portal
Foto: Joshua Sortino

About the concert

One can philosophize at great length about why this string quartet differs so much from the earlier ones he wrote, but it is without doubt a work that ensures one never finishes understanding Beethoven.

What is important to remember, however, is that this was not considered especially "Beethovenian" in its own time. That is why the first 30 minutes of the concert must be digested before you are ready for Beethoven's triumphant final work. Here your musical expectations will be tested.

Additional Content

Listen to the Music

The Works in the Concert

Jean-Féry Rebel: Les Élémens

Jean-Féry Rebel: From Les Élémens, Simphonie Nouvelle (1737)

  • Le cahos

Performers:

  • Jan Söderblom, violin
  • Eivind Ringstad, viola
  • Lilli Maijala, viola
  • Frida Fredrikke Waaler Wærvågen, cello
  • Frode Berg, double bass
  • Alžběta Baldova, clarinet
  • Tine Thing Helseth, trumpet
  • Sebastian Haukås, trumpet
Krzysztof Penderecki: Drei Stücke im alten Stil

Krzysztof Penderecki: Drei Stücke im alten Stil (1963)

  • Aria
  • Menuetto I
  • Menuetto II

Performers:

  • Arabella Steinbacher, violin
  • Jan Söderblom, violin
  • Lilli Maijala, viola
  • Victor Julien-Laferrière, cello
  • Frode Berg, double bass
Sofia Gubaidulina: Lied Ohne Worte

Sofia Gubaidulina: Lied Ohne Worte (1977)

Performers:

  • Tine Thing Helseth, trumpet
  • Gunnar Flagstad, piano
Arne Nordheim: The First Butterfly

Arne Nordheim: The First Butterfly (1982)

Performers:

  • Tine Thing Helseth, trumpet
  • Gunnar Flagstad, piano
Alfred Schnittke: Suite in the Old Style

Alfred Schnittke: Suite in the Old Style, Op. 80 (1972)

  • Pastorale
  • Ballet
  • Minuet
  • Fugue
  • Pantomime

Performers:

  • Arabella Steinbacher, violin
  • Håvard Gimse, piano
Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet No. 16, Op. 135

Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet No. 16 in F major, Op. 135 (1826)

  • Allegretto
  • Vivace
  • Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo
  • Der schwer gefasste Entschluss: Grave - Allegro

Performers:

  • Schumann Quartet

Composers

Komponist Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was a German composer from Bonn who settled in Vienna. Completely deaf by 1818, he composed many masterpieces in his final decade. He wrote 9 symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, 16 string quartets, and the opera Fidelio. The crucial bridge between Classical and Romantic eras, he elevated instrumental music to high art. Widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in history, he profoundly influenced Schumann, Brahms, and generations of composers.

Artists