Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Ludwig van Beethoven's chamber music with "Beethoven: The Middle String Quartets." This album, released on January 1, 1983, under Sony Classical, is a testament to Beethoven's genius during his middle creative period. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 45 minutes, this collection features some of his most celebrated string quartets, including the renowned "Rasumovsky" quartets (Op. 59) and the "Harp" quartet (Op. 74), as well as the intense and dramatic Op. 95 quartet.
The album showcases Beethoven's evolution as a composer, marked by his innovative approaches to form, harmony, and expression. Each quartet is a masterclass in composition, offering a unique blend of emotional depth, technical brilliance, and structural complexity. From the lively and spirited Allegro movements to the introspective and melancholic Adagios, Beethoven's middle string quartets are a journey through a landscape of human emotions and musical ingenuity.
This album is a must for any classical music enthusiast, providing a deep dive into Beethoven's middle period, where he began to push the boundaries of traditional forms and paved the way for the revolutionary works of his late period. The performances are rendered with precision and passion, capturing the essence of Beethoven's vision and offering a rich and rewarding listening experience.
(P) 1983 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
String Quartet No. 7, Op. 59 No. 1 "Rasumovsky": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 7, Op. 59 No. 1 "Rasumovsky": II. Allegretto vivace e semore scherzandoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 7, Op. 59 No. 1 "Rasumovsky": III. Adagio molto e mestoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 7, Op. 59 No. 1 "Rasumovsky": IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 8, Op. 59 No. 2 "Rasumovsky": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 8, Op. 59 No. 2 "Rasumovsky": II. Molto adagioLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 8, Op. 59 No. 2 "Rasumovsky": III. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 8, Op. 59 No. 2 "Rasumovsky": IV. Finale - PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 9, Op. 59 No. 3 "Rasumovsky": I. Introduzione: Andante con moto - Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 9, Op. 59 No. 3 "Rasumovsky": II. Andante con moto quasi AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 9, Op. 59 No. 3 "Rasumovsky": III. Menuetto. GraziosoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 9, Op. 59 No. 3 "Rasumovsky": IV. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 10, Op. 74: I. Poco adagio - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 10, Op. 74: II. Adagio ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 10, Op. 74: III. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 10, Op. 74: IV. Allegretto con variazioniLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95: II. Allegretto, ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95: III. Allegro assai vivace, ma seriosoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet
String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95: IV. Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitatoLudwig van Beethoven, Juilliard String Quartet