Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Ludwig van Beethoven's string quartets with this comprehensive collection, "Beethoven: String Quartets Nos 1 - 16." Released on January 1, 1984, under Warner Classics International, this album is a monumental journey through the evolution of Beethoven's compositional genius, spanning a staggering six hours and eight minutes of exquisite chamber music.
This collection features all sixteen of Beethoven's string quartets, meticulously performed and recorded. The quartets are presented in chronological order, beginning with the early works of Op. 18 and progressing through the middle-period Razumovsky and Harp Quartets, culminating in the late masterpieces, including the monumental Op. 131. Each quartet is a testament to Beethoven's innovative spirit and emotional depth, showcasing his unparalleled ability to push the boundaries of musical expression.
From the lively and spirited Allegro con brio of the First Quartet in F Major to the introspective and profound Adagio ma non troppo of the Twelfth Quartet in E-Flat Major, this album offers a panoramic view of Beethoven's artistic development. The quartets are characterized by their rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and profound emotional resonance, reflecting Beethoven's unique ability to convey a wide range of human experiences through music.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the full spectrum of Beethoven's string quartets. The performances are rendered with precision and passion, capturing the essence of Beethoven's vision and inviting you to delve into the intricate layers of his compositions.
"Beethoven: String Quartets Nos 1 - 16" is not just a collection of music; it is a testament to the enduring power of Beethoven's genius and his timeless contributions to the world of classical music. This album is a must-have for any music lover seeking to experience the profound beauty and complexity of Beethoven's string quartets.
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: II. Adagio affettuoso ed appassionatoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: III. Scherzo. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: II. Adagio cantabile - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: III. Scherzo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: IV. Allegro molto quasi prestoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: III. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: IV. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: I. Allegro ma non tantoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: II. Scherzo. Andante scherzoso quasi allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: III. Menuetto. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: II. MenuettoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: III. Andante cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: II. Adagio ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: III. Scherzo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: IV. La malinconia. Adagio - Allegretto quasi allegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
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
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: I. Maestoso - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: II. Adagio ma non troppo e molto cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: III. Scherzando vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: IV. FinaleLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: I. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: II. Allegro molto vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Vermeer Quartet