Experience the unparalleled artistry of the Quartetto Italiano with "The Complete RIAS Recordings," a meticulously curated collection of live radio broadcasts from the legendary ensemble's performances between 1951 and 1963. This three-CD set, released by Audite Musikproduktion, offers a comprehensive journey through the quartet's illustrious career, showcasing their exceptional technical prowess and interpretive depth.
The Quartetto Italiano, renowned as pioneers of Italian chamber music, delivers a diverse repertoire that spans the works of their fellow countrymen, including rarely heard pieces by Gaetano Donizetti, Luigi Cherubini, and Gian Francesco Malipiero. The ensemble's repertoire also includes masterpieces by Dmitri Shostakovich, Maurice Ravel, Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Joseph Haydn, demonstrating their versatility and mastery of the string quartet form.
This release features the first-ever CD appearances of three works: Cherubini's String Quartet No. 5 in F Major, Donizetti's String Quartet No. 7 in F Minor, and Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 7 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 108. The recordings, direct from the master tapes, capture the ensemble's remarkable homogeneity and the breadth of their repertoire, making this a essential addition to any classical music collection.
Spanning over three hours and thirty-two minutes, this extensive collection includes thirty-three tracks that highlight the Quartetto Italiano's unique sound and their significant contributions to the world of chamber music. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Complete RIAS Recordings" offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the artistry of one of the 20th century's most celebrated string quartets.
The Quartetto Italiano, founded in 1945 in Reggio Emilia, Italy, stands as one of the most celebrated string quartets of the 20th century. Comprising Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, Lionello Forzanti (later replaced by Piero Farulli in 1947), and Franco Rossi, the quartet began their illustrious career with a debut in Carpi when all members were in their early 20s. Initially named Nuovo Quartetto Italiano, they dropped the "Nuovo" in 1951 to become the iconic Quartetto Italiano. Renowned for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, the quartet recorded the complete cycles of Beethoven, Mozart, and Debussy string quartets, earning them global acclaim. Their performances, characterized by an aristocratic elegance and impeccable taste, captivated audiences worldwide until their disbandment in 1980. The Quartetto Italiano's legacy endures through their timeless recordings, which continue to inspire and enchant classical music enthusiasts.
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Quartetto Italiano
