Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of 20th-century chamber music with the Alban Berg Quartett's "20th Century Masterpieces." This meticulously curated 3CD set is a testament to the ensemble's prowess and the enduring legacy of the Viennese tradition in classical music. Spanning a generous 3 hours and 51 minutes, the album is a comprehensive journey through some of the most significant works composed for string quartet and trio during the 20th century.
The Alban Berg Quartett, renowned for their precision and expressive depth, delivers captivating performances of compositions by Strauss II, Berg, Bartók, Stravinsky, Piazzolla, Lutosławski, Haubenstock-Ramati, Von Einem, Schnittke, and Berio. The album includes iconic pieces such as Bartók's String Quartet No. 6, Stravinsky's 3 Pieces for String Quartet, and Piazzolla's evocative 5 Tango Sensations, alongside lesser-known gems that showcase the ensemble's versatility and technical brilliance.
Recorded with the clarity and warmth that EMI Classics is known for, this collection is a must for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The Alban Berg Quartett's sharpness and intensity, often described as lethal and vicious, bring a unique edge to these performances, making this album a standout in any music library. Whether you're drawn to the lyrical beauty of Berg's compositions or the rhythmic complexity of Bartók's works, "20th Century Masterpieces" offers a profound and engaging listening experience.
Strauss II, J: Kaiser-Walzer, Op. 437 (Arr. Schoenberg for String Quartet, Piano, Flute and Clarinet)Alban Berg Quartett, Ernst Ottensamer, Heinz Medjimorec, Wolfgang Schulz
Berg: String Quartet, Op. 3: I. LangsamAlban Berg Quartett
Berg: String Quartet, Op. 3: II. Mäßige ViertelAlban Berg Quartett
String Quartet No. 1 'after Tolstoy's 'The Kreutzer Sonata' ': I. Adagio - Con motoAlban Berg Quartett
String Quartet No. 1 'after Tolstoy's 'The Kreutzer Sonata' ': II. Con motoAlban Berg Quartett
String Quartet No. 1 'after Tolstoy's 'The Kreutzer Sonata' ': III. Con moto - Vivo - AndanteAlban Berg Quartett
String Quartet No. 1 'after Tolstoy's 'The Kreutzer Sonata' ': IV. Con motoAlban Berg Quartett
Bartók: String Quartet No. 6 in D Major, Sz. 114: I. Mesto - VivaceAlban Berg Quartett
Bartók: String Quartet No. 6 in D Major, Sz. 114: II. Mesto - MarciaAlban Berg Quartett
Bartók: String Quartet No. 6 in D Major, Sz. 114: III. Mesto - Burletta. ModeratoAlban Berg Quartett
Bartók: String Quartet No. 6 in D Major, Sz. 114: IV. MestoAlban Berg Quartett
Stravinsky: 3 Pieces for String Quartet: No. 1Alban Berg Quartett
Stravinsky: 3 Pieces for String Quartet: No. 2Alban Berg Quartett
Stravinsky: 3 Pieces for String Quartet: No. 3Alban Berg Quartett
Stravinsky: Concertino for String QuartetAlban Berg Quartett
Piazzolla: 5 Tango Sensations: No. 1, AsleepAlban Berg Quartett, Per Arne Glorvigen
Piazzolla: 5 Tango Sensations: No. 3, AnxietyAlban Berg Quartett, Per Arne Glorvigen
Piazzolla: 5 Tango Sensations: No. 4, AwakeAlban Berg Quartett, Per Arne Glorvigen
Piazzolla: 5 Tango Sensations: No. 5, FearAlban Berg Quartett, Per Arne Glorvigen
Lutosławski: String Quartet: I. —Alban Berg Quartett
Lutosławski: String Quartet: II. —Alban Berg Quartett
Haubenstock-Ramati: String Quartet No. 2 "In memoriam Christl Zimmer": I. Bittersüß, "Wienerisch"Alban Berg Quartett
Haubenstock-Ramati: String Quartet No. 2 "In memoriam Christl Zimmer": II. Ziemlich raschAlban Berg Quartett
Haubenstock-Ramati: String Quartet No. 2 "In memoriam Christl Zimmer": III. Kanon IAlban Berg Quartett
Haubenstock-Ramati: String Quartet No. 2 "In memoriam Christl Zimmer": IV. ViolenteAlban Berg Quartett
Haubenstock-Ramati: String Quartet No. 2 "In memoriam Christl Zimmer": V. Kanon IIAlban Berg Quartett
Haubenstock-Ramati: String Quartet No. 2 "In memoriam Christl Zimmer": VI. Valse tristeAlban Berg Quartett
Von Einem: String Quartet No. 1, Op. 45: I. AllegroAlban Berg Quartett
Von Einem: String Quartet No. 1, Op. 45: II. Adagio moltoAlban Berg Quartett
Von Einem: String Quartet No. 1, Op. 45: III. ModeratoAlban Berg Quartett
Schnittke: String Quartet No. 4: I. Lento (Live at Vienna Konzerthaus, 1990)Alban Berg Quartett
Schnittke: String Quartet No. 4: II. Allegro (Live at Vienna Konzerthaus, 1990)Alban Berg Quartett
Schnittke: String Quartet No. 4: III. Lento (Live at Vienna Konzerthaus, 1990)Alban Berg Quartett
Schnittke: String Quartet No. 4: IV. Vivace (Live at Vienna Konzerthaus, 1990)Alban Berg Quartett
Schnittke: String Quartet No. 4: V. Lento (Live at Vienna Konzerthaus, 1990)Alban Berg Quartett