Performance on 3 - Takacs Quartet

Presented by Petroc Trelawny. The Takacs Quartet returns this week for more of its triumphant Beethoven string quartet cycle at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Today, three quartets representing the different stylistic periods in the composer's life and work. First, the quartet Op. 18 No. 3, an early work which still shows his maturity as a Classical composer. Then, the quartet Op. 59, No.2, part of the 'Razumovsky' quartets from his middle period, displaying striking, pioneering features and commissioned by the Russian ambassador in Vienna. Finally, the rather mysterious string quartet Op. 127, the first of his late quartets, masterpieces written in the composer's final years. BEETHOVEN - String Quartet in D, Op.18 No.3 BEETHOVEN - String Quartet in E minor, Op.59 No.2 (Razumovsky) BEETHOVEN - String Quartet in E flat, Op.127 The Takacs Quartet Followed by a focus on great Chopin pianists, after the recital by Yundi this week. Chopin: Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Murray Perahia, piano CBS Masterworks – MK 39708 Chopin: Polonaise in A-flat major ‘Heroique’, Op. 53 Vladimir Horowitz, piano RCA RED LABEL – 74321 63471 2 / dur. 5.56 Chopin: Nocturne in F major, Op. 15 No. 1 Sviatoslav Richter, piano BBC Legends - BBCL 4090-2 Chopin: Etude in F major, Op. 10 No. 8 & Ballade in G minor, Op. 23 No. 1 Vladimir Horowitz, piano SONY CLASSICAL LEGACY – S2K 93023