Immerse yourself in the rich, intricate world of Béla Bartók's string quartets with this comprehensive collection, released by the renowned Quatuor Diotima. This 3-CD set, spanning over two and a half hours, encapsulates the evolution of Bartók's unique compositional voice, from his early works to his later, more experimental pieces. Each of the six quartets is a masterclass in contrast and innovation, showcasing Bartók's ability to blend folk influences with modernist techniques.
The album begins with the String Quartet No. 1, Sz. 40, a work that already hints at the composer's distinctive style, and culminates in the powerful and introspective String Quartet No. 6, Sz. 114. Throughout the collection, the Quatuor Diotima delivers a captivating performance, bringing out the full range of Bartók's expressive language, from the percussive and repetitive passages to the lyrical and haunting melodies.
This release is a testament to Bartók's enduring influence on classical music and a celebration of the string quartet as a medium for profound musical exploration. Whether you're a seasoned Bartók enthusiast or a newcomer to his music, this intégrale offers a rewarding and enlightening journey through the composer's quartets. The album was released on January 18, 2019, under the Naïve classique label.
2018 Naïve, a Label of Believe Group2018 Deutschlandradio / naïve, a label of Believe Group
Tracks
String Quartet No. 1, Sz. 40: I. LentoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 1, Sz. 40: II. AllegrettoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 1, Sz. 40: III. Allegro vivaceBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 2, Sz. 67: I. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 2, Sz. 67: II. Allegro molto capricciosoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 2, Sz. 67: III. LentoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 3, Sz. 85: I. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 3, Sz. 85: II. AllegroBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 3, Sz. 85: III. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 3, Sz. 85: IV. Allegro moltoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91: I. AllegroBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91: II. Prestissimo, con sordinoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91: III. Non troppo lentoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91: IV. Allegretto pizzicatoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91: V. Allegro moltoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102: I. AllegroBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102: II. Adagio moltoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102: III. Scherzo. Alla bulgareseBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102: IV. AndanteBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102: V. Finale. Allegro vivace - PrestoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 6, Sz. 114: I. Mesto - VivaceBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 6, Sz. 114: II. Mesto - MarciaBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 6, Sz. 114: III. Mesto - Burletta. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima
String Quartet No. 6, Sz. 114: IV. MestoBéla Bartók, Quatuor Diotima