Immerse yourself in the rich, intricate world of Felix Mendelssohn's chamber music with this comprehensive collection of his string quartets. Released in 1994, this album features the complete string quartets of Mendelssohn, performed with exquisite precision and passion by the Coull Quartet. Spanning over three hours and forty minutes, this double album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into the composer's mastery of the string quartet form.
The album includes all six of Mendelssohn's numbered string quartets, from the lyrical and expressive Op. 12 No. 1 in E-flat Major to the dramatic and intense Op. 80 No. 6 in F Minor. Each quartet is a testament to Mendelssohn's unique voice and his ability to blend classical structure with romantic expressiveness. The album also features the lesser-known String Quartet in E-flat Major, MWV R18, and the enchanting 4 Pieces for String Quartet, Op. 81, showcasing the full range of Mendelssohn's compositional genius.
Recorded with exceptional clarity and depth, this album is a delight for both seasoned listeners and those new to Mendelssohn's music. The Coull Quartet's performances are marked by their technical virtuosity and deep understanding of Mendelssohn's style, bringing out the subtleties and nuances in each piece. The album comes with a 36-page booklet featuring liner notes in both German and English, providing valuable context and insights into the music.
Whether you're a longtime admirer of Mendelssohn or a curious explorer of classical music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The careful sequencing of the tracks allows for both focused listening and casual enjoyment, making it an ideal addition to any classical music collection.
Tracks
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, MWV R18: I. Allegro moderatoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, MWV R18: II. Adagio non troppoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, MWV R18: III. Minuetto – Trio – MinuettoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, MWV R18: IV. FugaFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 13: I. Adagio – Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 13: II. Adagio non lentoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 13: III. Intermezzo. Allegretto con moto – Allegro di moltoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 13: IV. Presto – Adagio non lentoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 12: I. Adagio non troppoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 12: II. Canzonetta. AllegrettoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 12: III. Andante espressivo –Felix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 12: IV. Molto allegro e vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44 No. 1: I. Molto allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44 No. 1: II. Menuetto. Un poco allegrettoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44 No. 1: III. Andante espressivo ma con motoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44 No. 1: IV. Presto con brioFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 44 No. 3: I. Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 44 No. 3: II. Scherzo. Assai leggiero vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 44 No. 3: III. Adagio non troppoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 44 No. 3: IV. Molto allegro con fuocoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 44 No. 2: I. Allegro assai appassionatoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 44 No. 2: II. Scherzo. Allegro di moltoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 44 No. 2: III. Andante –Felix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 44 No. 2: IV. Presto agitatoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: I. Allegro vivace assai – PrestoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: II. Allegro assaiFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: III. AdagioFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: IV. Finale. Allegro moltoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
4 Pieces for String Quartet, Op. 81: IV. Fuga. A tempo ordinarioFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
4 Pieces for String Quartet, Op. 81: III. Capriccio. Andante con moto – Allegro fugato, assai vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
4 Pieces for String Quartet, Op. 81: I. Tema con variazioni. Andante sostenutoFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
4 Pieces for String Quartet, Op. 81: II. Scherzo. Allegro leggieroFelix Mendelssohn, Coull Quartet
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