String Quartet No. 10 in E flat major Opus 74 "Harp" by Ludwig van Beethoven

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String Quartet No. 10 in E flat major Opus 74 "Harp" by Ludwig van Beethoven

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By Abil Kile Posted on Nov 15, 2025

In Category - Neval

Authors: Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1770-1827 Published By : Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1770-1827

Book Language: English

Ever wonder what Beethoven sounds like when he's not just storming the heavens? The 'Harp' Quartet is that moment. Written in 1809, it's a strange and wonderful piece that feels caught between two worlds. You can hear the composer we know—the dramatic, powerful voice—but he's also playing with something new: pure, shimmering sound. The nickname comes from the magical plucked passages in the first movement that sound like, well, a harp. It's less a story of conflict and more a glimpse into Beethoven's workshop. He's experimenting, finding joy in texture and light, right before launching into his epic late period. It's a sunny, clever, and surprisingly accessible side of a genius we often think of as only serious.

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3. The Content must be used solely for a non-commercial purpose. Although this blanket permission to reproduce the Content is given freely such that no special permission is required, the Bahá’í International Community retains full copyright protection for all Content included at this Site under all applicable national and international laws. For permission to publish, transmit, display or otherwise use the Content for any commercial purpose, please contact us (http://reference.bahai.org/en/contact.html). CONTENTS Baha’i Terms of Use I: Lauded and glorified art Thou, O Lord, my... II: The beginning of all things is the knowledge... III: The Revelation which, from time immemorial,... IV: This is the Day in which God’s most excellent... V: This is the Day whereon the Ocean of God’s... VI: Behold, how the divers peoples and kindreds... VII: Verily I say, this is the Day in which mankind... VIII: By the righteousness of God! These are the... IX: O Husayn! Consider the eagerness with which... X: The time foreordained unto the peoples and... XI: All glory be to this Day, the Day in which the... XII: Bestir yourselves, O people, in anticipation of... XIII: Consider the past. How many, both high and... XIV: The Divine Springtime is come, O Most Exalted... XV: The Pen of Revelation exclaimeth: “On this... XVI: Say: O men! This is a matchless Day.... XVII: By Him Who is the Great Announcement!... XVIII: Say: We have caused the rivers of Divine... XIX: To every discerning and illuminated heart it... XX: Know thou of a certainty that the Unseen... XXI: O Salmán! The door of the knowledge of... XXII: The Bearers of the Trust of God are made... XXIII: Consider the former generations. Witness... XXIV: Beware, O believers in the Unity of God,... XXV: It is evident that every age in which a Manifestation... XXVI: Praise be to God, the All-Possessing, the... XXVII: All praise to the unity of God, and all... XXVIII: Happy is the man who will arise to serve... XXIX: The purpose of God in creating man hath... XXX: God witnesseth that there is no God but... XXXI: Contemplate with thine inward eye the... XXXII: That which thou hast heard concerning... XXXIII: It hath been decreed by Us that the Word... XXXIV: All praise and glory be to God Who,... XXXV: Ponder a while. What is it that prompted,... XXXVI: Know thou that when the Son of Man... XXXVII: Blessed is the man that hath acknowledged... XXXVIII: Know of a certainty that in every Dispensation... XXXIX: Praise be to Thee, O Lord My God, for the... XL: O My Well-Beloved! Thou hast breathed Thy... XLI: God is My witness, O people! I was asleep... XLII: O Son of Justice! In the night season the... XLIII: O Afnán, O thou that hast branched from... XLIV: Lay not aside the fear of God, O ye the... XLV: The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be... XLVI: I sorrow not for the burden of My imprisonment.... XLVII: O Jews! If ye be intent on crucifying once... XLVIII: God is my witness! Had it not been in... XLIX: Know verily that whenever this Youth... L: Shake off, O heedless ones, the slumber of... LI: O people! I swear by the one true God! This... LII: Say: O people! Withhold not from yourselves... LIII: O Náṣir, O My servant! God, the Eternal... LIV: By the righteousness of God, my Well-Beloved!... LV: Call thou to remembrance, O Land of Tá... LVI: Let nothing grieve thee, O Land of Tá... LVII: When thou art departed out of the court of... LVIII: Call thou to mind that which hath been... LIX: Every...

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Okay, let's be real: this isn't a book with a plot. It's a string quartet, a conversation between two violins, a viola, and a cello. But if it were a story, it would be about exploration and surprise.

The Story

The first movement starts with a gentle, almost questioning theme, but don't get too comfortable. Soon, the instruments start plucking their strings in a beautiful, rippling pattern—that's the 'harp' effect. It's playful and bright. The second movement is a deep, singing adagio, a moment of real heart. Then, Beethoven throws a curveball: a short, scherzo-like third movement that's all energy and wit. It all leads to a final movement that's a set of variations on a folk-like tune, full of clever twists and a feeling of joyful release.

Why You Should Listen To It

I love this piece because it shows a different side of Beethoven. We know the stormy, heroic composer, but here he's fascinated by sound itself. The 'harp' passages aren't just a gimmick; they create a glowing texture that feels fresh even now. It's like watching a master painter decide to play with a whole new set of colors. You can hear him stretching, having fun, and laying the groundwork for the radical music he'd write later. It's deeply satisfying without being overwhelming.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone curious about classical music but maybe intimidated by Beethoven's heavier works. It's also a must for fans who want to hear the bridge between his middle and late periods. Put it on during a long drive, while cooking, or just to brighten your afternoon. It's a 30-minute dose of invention and charm from one of the greats.

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