String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op.132 (parts) by Ludwig van Beethoven
Urtext edition by Emil Platen. Published by Henle
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was the most influential and admired composer of the Romantic Era, and is considered today to be among the greatest composers of classical music to ever live. His music is known variously for its compositional rigor, sublime beauty, organic development, gripping urgency, and life-affirming, universal humanism. He left a significant mark on almost every classical genre he worked in, from string quartets to symphonies.
Beethoven's cycle of sixteen string quartets spans his entire compositional career and is often considered to be the most significant ever composed. His six late period quartets (Nos.12-16 and the Grosse Fuge) were his return to the form after a 10-year absence and his last major completed works, reaching a zenith of expression, complexity, and originality in his output. Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op.132 is one of his most beloved works, capturing the strength and tenderness human spirit like no other. Originally set to have four movements, its composition was interrupted by a long, nearly fatal illness that afflicted Beethoven in 1825. When he recovered, he added an extended, achingly beautiful fifth movement at its center, with a title ''Heiliger Dankgesang'', or ''Holy Song of Thanksgiving''. This Henle urtext edition was edited by Emil Platen. Parts only. Master level, grade 6.
