Rosemary Broadbent
The first decade of the 19th century was a tumultuous period. Europe was at war and Vienna was
twice occupied by the French, once peacefully, and once after a terrifying bombardment. The
geographical and political landscape would be changed forever.
It should come as no surprise that Beethoven’s compositions of this period were similarly
revolutionary. The later string quartets are justly famous and remained unparalleled for generations,
but the seeds of those developments were sown by 1811. In this course, we shall investigate four
chamber works from this time which were already far ahead of their field.
Three are string quartets, commissioned in 1806 by the Russian ambassador to Vienna, Count
Rasumovsky and published as Opus 59. We shall also study Beethoven’s longest and finest Piano
Trio, Opus 97 in B flat, (1811) known as the ‘Archduke Trio’ after its dedicatee.
The quartets were described by a contemporary as ‘very long and difficult’ but also that they were
‘attracting the attention of all connoisseurs.’ All the more reason to investigate them together to
penetrate their secrets and discover an emotional range from tempestuous energy to the utmost
serenity.
The course will run twice, on Thursday mornings and on Monday mornings:
Thursdays:
Thursday February 13th 10am – 12.30pm String Quartets Op. 59 no. 1 and 3
Thursday February 20th 10am – 12.30pm String Quartet Op. 59 no. 2
Piano Trio Op. 97 (Archduke)
Mondays:
Monday March 3rd 10am – 12.30pm String Quartets Op. 59 no. 1 and 3
Monday March 10th 10am – 12.30pm String Quartet Op. 59 no. 2
Piano Trio Op. 97 (Archduke)
Each morning will consist of two one-hour lecture/discussions delivered via Zoom. There will be a break for coffee, during which the meeting will remain open for informal conversation.
Day: Thursdays or Mondays Time: 10.00-12.30 GMT
VENUE: ZOOM LECTURE
Price for an Individual Lecture:
| Price | Concessions | Minimum No. | Maximum No. |
| £15 | 5 | 24 |
Price for both lectures:
| Price | Concessions | Minimum No. | Maximum No. |
| £27 | 5 | 24 |
Please send bookings and enquiries to:
Rosemary Broadbent, 26 Bowden Lane, Marple, Stockport SK6 6ND
email: rosemary.broadbent@st-hughs.oxon.org phone: 07801-491031
Cheques payable to Rosemary Broadbent. Details for bank transfer will be supplied on
request. Bookings close one week before each event.
For information on online and face-to-face talks visit:
https://rosemarybroadbent.co.uk/speaking-workshops/