THE LAST QUARTETS [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—!
was delighted to read Mr. A. J. Watson's letter (Yun- nanfu, China) in the Spectator of July 16th, in appreciation of the Beethoven later quartets. It has always seemed to me that the soul of the greatest composer is revealed to a much greater extent in these works than in the symphonies. They are far more intimate than any orchestral work can be. It is only lately (the Centenary) that the -gramophone companies have given us nearly all these marvellous quartets to play, where, when, and as often as we choose. All are now obtain- able except Opus 18, No. 5, and the Grande Fugue. I know nothing more intellectually enjoyable than to follow one or two of them after dinner, with the miniature scores, which are easily obtainable, inexpensive, and double the enjoyment of the quartet.—I am, Sir, &c., [Beethoven has a world-audience when San Diego and Yunnanfu agree about his last quartets.--En. Spectator.]
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