The late quartets are among the last works that Beethoven completed, and are considered by many as the pinnacle of his achievements as a composer, and among the greatest compositions of all time. The Russian prince Nikolai Galitzin wrote to Beethoven in November 1822, requesting 'one, two or three new quartets, for which labour I will be glad to pay you what you think proper'. This commission resulted in the Quartets, Opp. 127, 132, and 130, after...