Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Ludwig van Beethoven's string quartets with this comprehensive collection released by Deutsche Grammophon. Spanning a staggering 5 hours and 40 minutes, this album encapsulates the evolution of Beethoven's genius, from his early works to his late masterpieces.
The journey begins with the Op. 18 set, showcasing Beethoven's initial forays into the string quartet form, where the influence of Haydn and Mozart is evident, yet his unique voice begins to emerge. The Razumovsky Quartets, Op. 59, follow, demonstrating Beethoven's growing confidence and innovation, including the incorporation of Russian themes at the request of his patron, Count Razumovsky.
The album continues with the Op. 74 "Harp" Quartet, named for its harp-like arpeggios, and the Op. 95 "Serioso" Quartet, which marks a transition to the late quartets. These final works, including the Op. 127, Op. 131, and others, are celebrated for their experimental nature and deep emotional resonance. The Op. 131 quartet, in particular, is a tour de force, consisting of seven movements played without a break, showcasing Beethoven's unparalleled mastery of the form.
This collection is a testament to Beethoven's enduring legacy and his ability to push the boundaries of musical expression. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Beethoven's work, this album offers a rich and rewarding exploration of some of the most significant compositions in the string quartet repertoire.
Tracks
String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: III. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: IV. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: II. Adagio affettuoso ed appassionatoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: III. Scherzo. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: II. Adagio cantabile – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: III. Scherzo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: IV. Allegro molto, quasi prestoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: I. Allegro ma non tantoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: II. Scherzo. Andante scherzoso quasi allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: III. Menuetto. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: II. MenuettoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: III. Andante cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: II. Adagio ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: III. Scherzo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: IV. La Malinconia. Adagio – Allegretto quasi allegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky No. 1": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky No. 1": II. Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzandoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky No. 1": III. Adagio molto e mestoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky No. 1": IV. Thème russe. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky No. 2": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky No. 2": II. Molto adagioLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky No. 2": III. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky No. 2": IV. Finale. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky No. 3": I. Andante con moto – Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky No. 3": II. Andante con moto quasi allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky No. 3": III. Menuetto. GraziosoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky No. 3": IV. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": I. Poco adagio – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": II. Adagio ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": III. Presto – Più presto quasi prestissimoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": IV. Allegretto con variazioni – Un poco più vivace – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": I. Allegro con brio - Recorded 1994Ludwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": II. Allegretto ma non troppo - Recorded 1994Ludwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": III. Allegro assai vivace ma serioso – Più allegro - Recorded 1994Ludwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": IV. Larghetto espressivo – Allegretto agitato – Allegro - Recorded 1994Ludwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: I. Maestoso – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: II. Adagio, ma non troppo e molto cantabile – Andante con moto – Adagio molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: III. Scherzando vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: IV. Finale. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: I. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: II. Allegro molto vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Emerson String Quartet
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