Composer Series: Beethoven 250th Festival—String Quartet, Op. 132

Join the World Chess Hall of Fame as we continue our Beethoven 250th Festival with a live-streamed concert featuring his String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132 in a performance by members of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra: Hannah Ji & Jonathan Chu, violins; Beth Guterman Chu, viola; Alvin McCall, cello.

Completed in 1825 after recovering from a lengthy illness, Beethoven self-titled the third movement of the piece, "A Sacred Song of Thanks from One Made Well, to the Divine." Serving as the emotional core of the entire work and considered one of the pinnacles of all music, this Adagio serves as a musical prayer of sorts expressing joy for the gift of life and health. The surrounding movements of the quartet are characterized by their compositional diversity and contrasting characters.

2020 marks the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most beloved and influential composers of all time. Countless musicians, ensembles, and performing arts organizations around the world will honor his incredible legacy. The World Chess Hall of Fame celebrates with a multi-concert festival dedicated to some of the composer's greatest works, his Late String Quartets performed by members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Program Order

String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132 (1825)

I. Assai sostenuto - Allegro

II. Allegro ma non tanto

III. Molto adagio

IV. Alla marcia, assai vivace

V. Allegro appassionato

This performance will be viewable on our Facebook Live and YouTube Channels. 

Thursday, Dec 10 - 7:00 pm