Hommage

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of classical chamber music with the Alban Berg Quartett's "Hommage," a meticulously curated collection released on September 14, 2007, under Warner Classics. Spanning nearly five hours, this album is a testament to the quartet's virtuosity and the enduring appeal of string quartet repertoire.

The album opens with Haydn's "Emperor" Quartet, a cornerstone of the classical canon, followed by Mozart's "Hoffmeister" Quartet, showcasing the elegance and wit of the classical era. The Alban Berg Quartett's interpretations are both precise and expressive, bringing out the nuances of each composition.

The journey continues with a piece originally attributed to Haydn but later discovered to be by Hoffstetter, adding a layer of historical intrigue. The quartet then tackles Beethoven's monumental "Razumovsky" and "Op. 135" quartets, recorded live at the Konzerthaus in Vienna, capturing the raw energy and emotional depth of these masterpieces.

Mendelssohn's "Op. 13" Quartet and Smetana's "From My Life" offer a romantic contrast, highlighting the quartet's versatility and emotional range. The album also features works by lesser-known but equally compelling composers like Janáček and Rihm, demonstrating the Alban Berg Quartett's commitment to exploring the breadth of the string quartet repertoire.

Bartók's "Quartet No. 4" and Ravel's "String Quartet" showcase the quartet's technical prowess and interpretive depth, while Berg's "Lyric Suite" offers a deeply personal and expressive journey. The album concludes with Stravinsky's "Double Canon" and Rihm's "String Quartet No. 4," recorded live at the Vienna Konzerthaus, adding a contemporary edge to the collection.

"Hommage" is not just a compilation of pieces but a carefully crafted exploration of the string quartet genre, showcasing the Alban Berg Quartett's exceptional artistry and the timeless beauty of classical music.