Beethoven: The Late String Quartets

Quatuor Diotima presents an album of Beethoven’s late string quartets, bringing renewed clarity and passion to some of the most profound works in the chamber repertoire. Written in the final years of his life, these late quartets unfold as deeply expressive explorations of form, counterpoint and human emotion. From the solemn majesty of Op. 127 to the transcendent variations of Op. 132 and the taut and spirited finale of Op. 135, Beethoven’s vision is at once intimate and vast, weaving intricate textures and soaring lyricism into a continuous, compelling musical narrative. Quatuor Diotima’s interpretations illuminate every nuance, revealing the inventive brilliance and emotional depth that make these works enduring masterpieces. One of the most in-demand chamber ensembles in the world today, Quatuor Diotima has worked in close collaboration with several of the greatest composers of the late twentieth century, projecting fresh light onto the masterpieces of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Reflected in the mirror of today’s music, the quartet brings new insight and energy to Beethoven’s late voice. The ensemble returns to PENTATONE following their acclaimed Metamorphosis Ligeti (2023), Bruckner & Klose: String Quartets (2024) and Boulez: Livre pour Quatuor (2025), and most recently Lachenmann: Works for String Quartet in November 2025.

Disc 1
1: I. Maestoso - Allegro
2: II. Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
3: III. Scherzando Vivace
4: IV. Finale
5: I. Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Espressivo
6: II. Allegro Molto Vivace
7: III. Allegro Moderato
8: IV. Andante Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
9: V. Presto
10: VI. Adagio Quasi Un Poco Andante
11: VII. Allegro

Disc 2
1: I. Assai Sostenuto - Allegro
2: II. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
3: III. Molto Adagio - Andante
4: IV. Alla Marcia Assai Vivace - Più Allegro
5: V. Allegro Appassionato
6: I. Allegretto
7: II. Vivace
8: III. Assai Lento, Cantante E Tranquillo
9: IV. Der Schwer Gefasste Entschluss. Grave, Ma Non Troppo Tratto - Allegro

Disc 3
1: I. Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Allegro
2: II. Presto
3: III. Poco Scherzoso. Andante Con Moto Ma Non Troppo
4: IV. Alla Danza Tedesca. Allegro Assai
5: V. Cavatina. Adagio Molto Espressivo
6: Grosse Fuge, Op. 133
7: VI. Finale. Allegro

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

Number of Discs: 3

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