The Beethoven Project – Part 1, Elias String Quartet

Two hours of Beethoven is demanding both for the musicians and the audience, so the planning of this programme was crucial. It began a two year project which will deliver all Beethoven’s string quartets during successive Brighton Festivals. The early opus18 No2 quartet, difficult to play but easier listening, seemed like a charming overture to the late opus127, an intense work that completed the concert for some people. They missed the very satisfying opus59 No1, ‘Razumovsky’. The Elias characterised each section boldly, sometimes courtly, sometimes with rustic bluffness and some very expressive legato phrasing in the Razumovsky’s soulful slow movement.

Part 2 of this excellent Beethoven Project is on Saturday 11 May, at St George’s Church. I’ll certainly be there!

Music Room, Royal Pavilion, 7 May 2013

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