BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Sunday, October 23, 1825

Today at the Musikverein, the Schuppanzigh Quartet gives the first concert of its new subscription series. The works played are the “Emperor” Quartet op.76/3, Hob.III:77, with its second movement set of variations on “Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser;” a Quartet by Mozart in D minor [probably Quartet nr.15, K.421]; and Beethoven’s “Razoumovksy” Quartet op.59/3. The Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung of November 23 (Nr.47) at 782 said of this concert, “All admirers of chamber music are delighted at the resumption of these witty winter entertainments, as only the most perfect pieces are performed here, with the highest perfection.”