Immerse yourself in the profound and introspective world of Ludwig van Beethoven's late string quartets, masterfully interpreted by the renowned Busch Quartet. Released on February 4, 2008, under the Warner Classics label, this comprehensive collection spans over three hours and forty-two minutes, offering a deep dive into the composer's final chamber music works.
The album features the complete late quartets, from the serene and lyrical String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127, to the intense and dramatic String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135. Each piece is a testament to Beethoven's innovative spirit and emotional depth, showcasing his unparalleled ability to blend technical brilliance with profound expression.
The Busch Quartet, known for their precise and nuanced performances, brings out the full richness of these works. Their playing is both sensitive and powerful, capturing the essence of Beethoven's late style, which is characterized by its introspective nature, complex structures, and profound emotional resonance.
Highlights include the expansive and varied String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131, with its seven movements and diverse moods, and the iconic String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130, featuring the hauntingly beautiful "Cavatina." The album also includes the monumental "Grosse Fuge," Op. 133, originally intended as the finale to Op. 130 but later published separately.
This recording is a must for any classical music enthusiast, offering a rare opportunity to experience the full scope of Beethoven's late string quartets in one collection. The Busch Quartet's performances are a testament to their artistry and the enduring power of Beethoven's music.
Tracks
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: I. Maestoso - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: II. Adagio ma non troppo e molto cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: III. Scherzando vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: IV. FinaleLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: I. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: II. Allegro molto vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: III. Allegro moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: IV. Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: V. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VI. Adagio quasi un poco andanteLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VII. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Quartetto serioso": I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Quartetto Serioso": II. Allegretto ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Quartetto Serioso": III. Allegro assai vivace, ma seriosoLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Quartetto serioso": IV. Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitatoLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B flat Op. 130 (2008 Digital Remaster): I. Adagio ma non troppo - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B flat Op. 130 (2008 Digital Remaster): II. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B flat Op. 130 (2008 Digital Remaster): III. Andante con moto, ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B flat Op. 130 (2008 Digital Remaster): IV. Alla danza tedesca (Allegro assai)Ludwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B flat Op. 130 (2008 Digital Remaster): V. Cavatina (Adagio molto espressivo)Ludwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
String Quartet No. 13 in B flat Op. 130 (2008 Digital Remaster): VI. Finale (Allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Grosse Fuge in B flat Op. 133 - 2008 Remastered VersionLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Chamber Players/Adolf Busch
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: I. Assai sostenuto - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: II. Allegro ma non tantoLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: III. Molto adagioLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: IV. Alla Marcia, assai vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: V. Finale. Allegro appasionatoLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: I. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: II. VivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: III. Lento assai, cantante tranquilloLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: IV. Grave ma non troppo tratto - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Busch Quartet
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