Beethoven’s Grosse Fuge, Op. 133, was originally composed as the final movement of his String Quartet in B-flat major, Op. 130. At its 1826 premiere, the fugue’s intensity and complexity stunned critics — one reviewer called it “incomprehensible.” Beethoven, urged by his publisher, eventually replaced it with a lighter finale. Today, the Grosse Fuge is celebrated as one of his greatest achievements. In this 2020 performance from Alice Tully Hall, the Danish String Quartet — Rune Tonsgaard Sørens

Tian Gao performing her solo »Große Fuge« at Open Studio: Stage Choreography and dance: Tian Gao Music: Rothko String Quartet Produced by PODIUM Festival Esslingen Open Studio: Stage is a space for performance artists of all disciplines to share 5-10 minutes of their craft. At the end of each session, all participants come together for a short collective improvisation. We especially welcome duets, group pieces and improvisation-based work. To apply, please send a short description of your piece