Dive into the profound and intricate world of Ludwig van Beethoven's middle-period string quartets with this exceptional collection, "Beethoven: Middle String Quartets Nos 7 - 11." Released in 1992 under Warner Classics International, this album is a testament to Beethoven's genius, showcasing his mastery of chamber music. The quartets, performed by renowned ensembles such as the Alban Berg Quartet, Juilliard String Quartet, and Tokyo String Quartet, offer a rich tapestry of musical expression that spans over two and a half hours.
The album features four of Beethoven's middle-period quartets, known for their complexity and emotional depth. The "Razumovsky" quartets (Nos. 7, 8, and 9) are named after their patron, Count Andrey Razumovsky, and are celebrated for their innovative structures and thematic depth. The "Harp" Quartet (No. 10) earns its nickname from the harp-like arpeggios in the first movement, while the "Quartetto serioso" (No. 11) is noted for its intense and serious character.
Each quartet is a journey through Beethoven's evolving style, blending classical forms with revolutionary ideas. The performances capture the essence of these works, highlighting the intricate interplay between the instruments and the depth of Beethoven's compositions. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Beethoven's works, this album offers a captivating exploration of some of the most significant string quartets in the classical repertoire.
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky": II. Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzandoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky": III. Adagio molto e mestoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky": IV. Thème russe. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky": II. Molto adagioLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky": III. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky": IV. Finale. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky": I. Introduzione. Andante con moto - Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky": II. Andante con moto quasi allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky": III. Menuetto. GraziosoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky": IV. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": I. Poco adagio - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": II. Adagio ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": III. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": IV. Allegretto con variazioniLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Quartetto serioso": I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Quartetto serioso": II. Allegretto ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Quartetto serioso": III. Allegro assai vivace, ma seriosoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Quartetto serioso": IV. Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitatoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
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