Dive into the profound and intricate world of Dmitri Shostakovich's early string quartets with this comprehensive collection. This two-disc set, released on April 4, 2025, by Genuin Classics, presents a meticulous journey through Shostakovich's first six string quartets, each a masterclass in chamber music composition. Spanning over two and a half hours, this album offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the evolution of Shostakovich's unique voice and his deep engagement with the string quartet form.
The album begins with the String Quartet No. 1 in C Major, Op. 49, a work that showcases Shostakovich's early mastery of the genre, and concludes with the String Quartet No. 6 in G Minor, Op. 101, a profound and introspective piece that reflects the composer's later style. Along the way, you'll encounter the haunting elegance of the Elegy from "2 Pieces for String Quartet" and the lively energy of the Polka, both inspired by Shostakovich's operatic and balletic works.
Performed by the Asasello-Quartett, this recording is part of their ongoing project to capture the complete string quartets of Dmitri Shostakovich. Their nuanced interpretations bring out the subtleties and depths of Shostakovich's scores, making this album an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Shostakovich's music or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2025 GENUIN classics2025 GENUIN classics
Tracks
String Quartet No. 6 in G Minor, Op. 101: I. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 6 in G Minor, Op. 101: II. Moderato con motoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 6 in G Minor, Op. 101: III. LentoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 6 in G Minor, Op. 101: IV. Lento - AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 5 in B-Flat Major, Op. 92: I. Allegro non troppoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 5 in B-Flat Major, Op. 92: II. Andantino - AndanteDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 5 in B-Flat Major, Op. 92: III. Moderato - Allegretto - AndanteDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 4 in D Major, Op. 83: I. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 4 in D Major, Op. 83: II. AndantinoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 4 in D Major, Op. 83: III. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 4 in D Major, Op. 83: IV. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73: I. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73: II. Moderato con motoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73: III. Allegro non troppoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73: IV. AdagioDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73: V. ModeratoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 68: I. Overture. Moderato con motoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 68: II. Recitative & Romance. AdagioDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 68: III. Valse. AllegroDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 68: IV. Theme with Variations. AdagioDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 1 in C Major, Op. 49: I. ModeratoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 1 in C Major, Op. 49: II. ModeratoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 1 in C Major, Op. 49: III. Allegro moltoDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
String Quartet No. 1 in C Major, Op. 49: IV. AllegroDmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
2 Pieces for String Quartet: No. 1, Elegy. Adagio (After Katerina's Aria from "Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk, Op. 29")Dmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
2 Pieces for String Quartet: No. 2, Polka. Allegretto (After Polka from "The Golden Age, Op. 22")Dmitri Shostakovich, Asasello Quartett
Dmitri Shostakovich, born in St. Petersburg in 1906, was a towering figure in 20th-century classical music, renowned for his profound and emotionally charged compositions. His musical journey began at the prestigious St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he honed his skills as a composer and pianist in the wake of the Russian Revolutions. Shostakovich's international breakthrough came with the premiere of his First Symphony in 1926, establishing him as a major composer.
His music is celebrated for its rapid shifts in emotional intensity and its semantic depth, often laced with irony and subtle political commentary. Navigating the complex political landscape of the Soviet era, Shostakovich's works are a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite the pressures of his time, he created some of the most vital and original music of the 20th century, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical and chamber music. His legacy endures, inspiring generations with his profound and evocative compositions.
Vinylscout
Dmitri Shostakovich
