Mysliveček: String Quartets

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Josef Mysliveček, a prolific and gifted composer whose instrumental works have left an indelible mark on classical music. This album, "Mysliveček: String Quartets," released in 1997 under the NAR International label, offers a stunning collection of six string quartets, each a testament to Mysliveček's refined compositional style and innovative spirit.

Born in 1737, Josef Mysliveček was a contemporary of Mozart, who greatly admired his work. Mysliveček's string quartets, characterized by their wonderfully refined slow middle movements, showcase his mastery of the form. This album features quartets in a variety of keys, including C Major, G Major, F Major, A Major, B-Flat Major, and E-Flat Major, each offering a unique blend of elegance, energy, and emotional depth.

The album begins with the String Quartet No. 1 in C Major, a piece that immediately draws the listener in with its Allegretto opening movement. The Andante second movement offers a moment of contemplation, while the Presto assai finale brings the quartet to a thrilling close. The String Quartet No. 2 in G Major follows, with its Largo opening movement setting a somber tone, which is lifted by the Allegro con spirito second movement and the lively Allegro finale.

The String Quartet No. 3 in F Major opens with an Allegro movement that is both energetic and refined, while the Andante second movement offers a moment of introspection. The Presto assai finale brings the quartet to a rousing conclusion. The String Quartet No. 4 in A Major features an Allegro opening movement that is both elegant and spirited, while the Larghetto second movement offers a moment of quiet reflection. The Presto finale brings the quartet to a thrilling close.

The String Quartet No. 5 in B-Flat Major opens with an Allegro spiritoso movement that is both lively and refined, while the Larghetto second movement offers a moment of quiet beauty. The Presto assai finale brings the quartet to a rousing conclusion. The album concludes with the String Quartet No. 6 in E-Flat Major, a piece that features an Allegro opening movement that is both energetic and refined, an Andante second movement that offers a moment of contemplation, and a Presto assai finale that brings the quartet to a thrilling close.

With a total runtime of 54 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of Josef Mysliveček's string quartets. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

1 januari 1997

℗ 1997 Nar International Srl

About Josef Mysliveček

Josef Mysliveček, born in Prague in 1737, was a pioneering Czech composer who left an indelible mark on the classical music scene of the late 18th century. Known affectionately as "Il Divino Boemo" (The Divine Bohemian), Mysliveček's operatic works, including "Triumf Klélie," "Bellerofontés," and "Antigona," captivated audiences across Italy, where he spent much of his career. His musical prowess and innovative style made him a leading figure in the transition from the Baroque to the Classical era. Mysliveček's friendship with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart added another layer of intrigue to his legacy, as the two composers influenced each other's work. Despite his initial success and the acclaim he received, Mysliveček's later years were marked by financial struggles and health issues, culminating in his untimely death in Rome in 1781. His compositions, though less frequently performed today, continue to resonate with their timeless beauty and technical brilliance, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of 18th-century music.