Dive into the profound and innovative world of Arnold Schoenberg with his "String Quartets Nos. 2 & 4," a captivating exploration of the composer's evolution over three decades. This album, released on the BIS label in 2017, features two of Schoenberg's most significant works, each composed during tumultuous periods in his life. The String Quartet No. 2, Op. 10, completed in 1908, marks a pivotal moment in Schoenberg's career, where he began to break away from traditional tonality, influenced by personal turmoil. The quartet is uniquely scored for string quartet and soprano, with Malin Hartelius delivering a haunting vocal performance. The String Quartet No. 4, Op. 37, composed in 1936, showcases Schoenberg's mastery of his revolutionary twelve-tone technique, offering a stark contrast to the earlier work.
Performed by the acclaimed Gringolts Quartet, this recording captures the essence of Schoenberg's genius, from the post-Wagnerian chromaticism of the Second Quartet to the complex, atonal structures of the Fourth. The album's cover art, featuring a work by Wassily Kandinsky, adds a visual dimension to the musical journey, reflecting the close friendship and artistic exchange between the two pioneers. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or new to Schoenberg's groundbreaking compositions, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, spanning nearly an hour and four minutes of meticulously crafted music.
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