Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical chamber music with the Quartetto Italiano's exquisite album, "Beethoven, Mozart & Boccherini: Quatuors à cordes." Released in 1954 under the BNF Collection label, this album is a masterful compilation of string quartets that showcase the unparalleled artistry of three musical giants: Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Luigi Boccherini.
The Quartetto Italiano, renowned for their impeccable technique and deep musical insight, delivers a captivating performance that spans over two hours and nineteen minutes. The album opens with Beethoven's String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130, a work that exemplifies the composer's genius, blending profound emotion with structural innovation. The quartet's rendition of the famous "Cavatina" is particularly noteworthy, offering a poignant and deeply moving interpretation.
Following Beethoven, the album presents Mozart's String Quartet No. 14 in G Major, K. 387, affectionately known as the "Spring" Quartet. The Quartetto Italiano brings out the youthful exuberance and lyrical beauty of this beloved work, making it a highlight of the collection. The album continues with Mozart's String Quartet No. 15 in D Minor, K. 421, which contrasts the lighter "Spring" Quartet with its more introspective and dramatic character.
The Quartetto Italiano concludes the album with Boccherini's String Quartets in A Major, Op. 39 No. 8, and in E-Flat Major, Op. 58 No. 2. These works showcase Boccherini's distinctive style, characterized by its grace, elegance, and rhythmic vitality. The quartet's performance is marked by a delicate balance between technical precision and expressive depth, making these pieces a delight to listen to.
"Beethoven, Mozart & Boccherini: Quatuors à cordes" is not just a collection of string quartets; it is a testament to the enduring power of classical music and the exceptional skill of the Quartetto Italiano. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the beauty and diversity of the string quartet repertoire.
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: I. Adagio ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: II. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: III. Andante con moto ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: IV. Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: V. Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: VI. Finale. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 14 in G Major, Op. 10 No. 1, K. 387 "Spring": I. Allegro vivace assaiWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 14 in G Major, Op. 10 No. 1, K. 387 "Spring": II. Menuetto. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 14 in G Major, Op. 10 No. 1, K. 387 "Spring": III. Andante cantabileWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 14 in G Major, Op. 10 No. 1, K. 387 "Spring": IV. Molto allegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 15 in D Minor, Op. 10 No. 2, K. 421: I. Allegro moderatoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 15 in D Minor, Op. 10 No. 2, K. 421: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 15 in D Minor, Op. 10 No. 2, K. 421: III. Menuetto. AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet No. 15 in D Minor, Op. 10 No. 2, K. 421: IV. Allegretto ma non troppoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet in A Major, Op. 39 No. 8, G. 213: I. Allegro moderatoLuigi Boccherini, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet in A Major, Op. 39 No. 8, G. 213: II. Minuetto. AllegroLuigi Boccherini, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet in A Major, Op. 39 No. 8, G. 213: III. GraveLuigi Boccherini, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet in A Major, Op. 39 No. 8, G. 213: IV. Allegro giustoLuigi Boccherini, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 58 No. 2, G. 243: I. Allegretto lentoLuigi Boccherini, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 58 No. 2, G. 243: II. Minuetto. AllegroLuigi Boccherini, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 58 No. 2, G. 243: III. LarghettoLuigi Boccherini, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 58 No. 2, G. 243: IV. Finale. Allegro vivace assaiLuigi Boccherini, Quartetto Italiano, Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Piero Farulli, Franco Rossi