Beethoven: The Middle String Quartets

Beethoven’s 16 string quartets constitute a body of music that remains one of the towering edifices of Western art. The so-called Middle Period works—the three *“Rasumovsky”* quartets and two stand-alones, *Op. 74* (sometimes called *“Harp”*) and *Op. 95* (*“Serioso”*)—sit between the early and still traditional *Op. 18* group and the transcendental and searching late works. The *“Rasumovsky”* quartets, written for the Russian ambassador in Vienna, are witty and extraordinarily inventive with almost symphonic ambitions. *Op. 74* is a slighter work of great charm. The Takács Quartet’s set is magnificent, a wonderful example of quartet-playing of truly sublime quality and achievement.