Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Ludwig van Beethoven's string quartets with the comprehensive collection "Beethoven Complete String Quartets + Op.74." Released in 2011 by Warner Classics, this expansive box set captures the essence of Beethoven's genius, showcasing his evolution as a composer through his string quartets. Spanning nearly six hours of music, this collection includes all 17 of Beethoven's string quartets, performed with meticulous artistry by the renowned Artemis Quartet.
The album begins with the early quartets, Op. 18, where Beethoven's classical roots are evident, yet his innovative spirit is already taking shape. As you progress through the Razumovsky quartets (Op. 59), the "Harp" Quartet (Op. 74), and the late quartets, you witness Beethoven's bold experimentation and emotional depth. Each quartet is a masterclass in composition, offering a unique blend of technical brilliance and profound expression.
The "Harp" Quartet, Op. 74, is a standout piece, named for its harp-like arpeggios in the first movement. This quartet, along with the others, demonstrates Beethoven's ability to push the boundaries of the string quartet form, creating works that are both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving.
This collection is not just a compilation of Beethoven's string quartets; it is a testament to his enduring influence on classical music. The Artemis Quartet's performances are nuanced and dynamic, bringing out the subtleties and power of Beethoven's compositions. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Beethoven's works, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Dive into the world of Beethoven's string quartets and discover the timeless beauty and complexity of his music.
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: II. Adagio affettuoso ed appassionatoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: III. Scherzo. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1: IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: I. Allegro ma non tantoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: II. Scherzo. Andante scherzoso quasi allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: III. Menuetto. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4: IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: II. Adagio ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: III. Scherzo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: IV. (a) La malinconia. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 6 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6: IV. (b) Allegretto quasi allegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: II. Adagio cantabile - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: III. Scherzo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2: IV. Allegro molto quasi prestoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: III. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: IV. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: II. MenuettoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: III. Andante cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 5 in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5: IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky": II. Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzandoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky": III. Adagio molto e mestoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky": IV. Thème russe. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky": II. Molto adagioLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky": III. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky": IV. Finale. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky": I. Introduzione. Andante con moto - Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky": II. Andante con moto quasi allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky": III. Menuetto. GraziosoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 "Rasumovsky III": IV. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": I. Poco adagio - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": II. Adagio ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": III. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 10 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp": IV. Allegretto con variazioniLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": II. Allegretto ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": III. Allegro assai vivace, ma seriosoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso": IV. Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitatoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: I. Maestoso - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: II. Adagio ma non troppo e molto cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: III. Scherzando vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127: IV. FinaleLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: I. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet