"Beethoven's String Quartet in C-sharp minor, Op. 131 (1826) is firmly a part of the modern-day canon, and also makes its presence felt in popular culture, notably in film (for example, A Late Quartet, 2012). Yet in recent times, the terms in which the work is discussed and presented tend to undermine the work's power. Although it is held up as a masterpiece, Op. 131 has often been understood in monochrome terms, as a work portraying tragedy, struggle,...