4 Things to Know About Beethoven’s Op. 135

It is the shortest and lightest of Beethoven’s late quartets After the dense and complex late quartets, Op. 135 feels like a palate cleanser — four movements, Classical in form, with a playful, humorous character.

It returns to Classical structure Beethoven deliberately wrote it in a more traditional, straightforward style, unlike the experimental works that came before it.

The mood is lighter and more charming This quartet shows Beethoven could still write a simple, charming piece when he wanted to, without the usual intensity or struggle.

The final movement includes a famous musical joke The last movement’s motto, “Must it be? It must be!”, is a witty musical dialogue, underscoring the quartet’s overall playful tone.