“Muss es sein? Es muss sein!” — “Must it be so? It must be so!”

Beethoven wrote these words above the final movement of his last string quartet. But what exactly did he mean? Was it a joke, a philosophical question, or a reflection on the necessities of life?

Pianist and Beethoven specialist Tor Espen Aspaas guides us through the mystery, with musical examples and reflections on the composer’s final years.

The Engegård Quartet then performs String Quartet Op. 135. Beethoven’s last completed string quartet is full of surprises, humour, simplicity and profundity. Even towards the very end of his life, Beethoven retained his ability to ask questions — and to play with the answers.

Programme

Illustrated talk: “Muss es sein?”
Tor Espen Aspaas

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)

String Quartet No. 16 in F major, Op. 135
Engegård Quartet