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String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132

III. Molto Adagio — Heiliger Dankgesang

Ludwig van Beethoven · 1825 · C major · 212 bars · 505 chords analysed

Its slow movement, “Heiliger Dankgesang”, is a hymn of thanks Beethoven wrote after recovering from a serious illness.

Beethoven's 16 string quartets trace his whole life. The six of Op. 18 (1798–1800) master the classical style he inherited from Haydn and Mozart; the middle quartets stretch it; the late quartets (1825–26), written when he was completely deaf, are among the most searching music ever composed.

Keys visited: C major, D major.