Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Ludwig van Beethoven's early string quartets with this exceptional collection, "Beethoven: The Early String Quartets." Released in 1989 by Decca Music Group Ltd., this album is a testament to Beethoven's genius and his profound impact on classical music.
Spanning a generous duration of 2 hours and 43 minutes, this album features six of Beethoven's earliest string quartets, composed between 1798 and 1800. Each quartet is a masterpiece in its own right, showcasing Beethoven's innovative spirit and his ability to push the boundaries of classical composition.
The album opens with the String Quartet No. 1 in F, Op. 18 No. 1, a work that immediately captivates with its lively Allegro con brio. The Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato and the Scherzo (Allegro molto) that follow are equally compelling, each offering a unique emotional landscape. The quartet concludes with a vibrant Allegro, leaving the audience eager for more.
The subsequent quartets, from the String Quartet No. 2 in G, Op. 18 No. 2 to the String Quartet No. 6 in B flat, Op. 18 No. 6, each bring their own distinct character and charm. The String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4, stands out with its dramatic Menuetto (Allegretto), while the String Quartet No. 5 in A, Op. 18 No. 5, enchants with its serene Andante cantabile. The final quartet, the String Quartet No. 6 in B flat, Op. 18 No. 6, concludes the album on a poignant note with its La Malinconia (Adagio - Allegretto quasi allegro - Adagio - Allegretto - Poco adagio - Prestissimo).
This album is not just a collection of Beethoven's early works; it's a journey through the evolution of his compositional style. From the classical elegance of his early quartets to the hints of the revolutionary changes to come, this album offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of history's greatest composers. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
String Quartet No. 1 in F, Op. 18 No. 1: 1. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 1 in F, Op. 18 No. 1: 2. Adagio affettuoso ed appassionatoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 1 in F, Op. 18 No. 1: 3. Scherzo (Allegro molto)Ludwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 1 in F, Op. 18 No. 1: 4. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 2 in G, Op. 18 No. 2: 1. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 2 in G, Op. 18 No. 2: 2. Adagio cantabile - Allegro - Tempo ILudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 2 in G, Op. 18 No. 2: 3. Scherzo (Allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 2 in G, Op. 18 No. 2: 4. Allegro molto, quasi prestoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 3 in D, Op. 18 No. 3: 1. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 3 in D, Op. 18 No. 3: 2. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 3 in D, Op. 18 No. 3: 3. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 3 in D, Op. 18 No. 3: 4. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4: 1. Allegro ma non tantoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4: 2. Andante scherzoso, quasi allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4: 3. Menuetto (Allegretto)Ludwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4: 4. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 5 in A, Op. 18 No. 5: 1. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 5 in A, Op. 18 No. 5: 2. MenuettoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 5 in A, Op. 18 No. 5: 3. Andante cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 5 in A, Op. 18 No. 5: 4. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 6 in B flat, Op. 18 No. 6: 1. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 6 in B flat, Op. 18 No. 6: 2. Adagio ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 6 in B flat, Op. 18 No. 6: 3. Scherzo (Allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
String Quartet No. 6 in B flat, Op. 18 No. 6: 4. La Malinconia (Adagio - Allegretto quasi allegro - Adagio - Allegretto - Poco adagio - Prestissimo)Ludwig van Beethoven, Quartetto Italiano
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