Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Ludwig van Beethoven's string quartets with this captivating album, released on Warner Classics in 2010. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 18 minutes, this collection brings together some of Beethoven's most celebrated works, performed by the renowned Artemis Quartet. The album features four of Beethoven's string quartets: Op. 18 No. 2, Op. 59 No. 3 "Razumovsky," Op. 131, and Op. 132. Each quartet is a masterclass in composition, showcasing Beethoven's evolution as a composer and his unparalleled ability to blend technical brilliance with deep emotional resonance.
The String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18 No. 2, opens the album with a youthful vigor, while the "Razumovsky" Quartet, No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3, offers a more mature and sophisticated exploration of form and expression. The String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131, is a monumental work, consisting of seven interconnected movements that take the listener on a journey through a wide range of emotions and musical landscapes. The album concludes with the String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132, a deeply personal and introspective work that reflects Beethoven's own struggles and triumphs.
This album is a testament to Beethoven's enduring legacy and the Artemis Quartet's exceptional artistry. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the timeless beauty and power of Beethoven's music.
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. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: I. Assai sostenuto - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: II. Allegro ma non tantoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: III. Molto adagioLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: IV. Alla Marcia, assai vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132: V. Finale. Allegro appasionatoLudwig 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. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: I. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: II. Allegro molto vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: III. Allegro moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: IV. Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: V. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VI. Adagio quasi un poco andanteLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: VII. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artemis Quartet