Experience the pinnacle of chamber music with Quartetto Italiano's "The Complete RIAS Recordings," a monumental collection that spans over a decade of live performances from 1951 to 1963. This three-disc set, released by Audite Musikproduktion, showcases the ensemble's unparalleled mastery of the string quartet repertoire, featuring works by some of the most celebrated composers in classical music.
Quartetto Italiano, comprising Paolo Borciani and Elisa Pegreffi on violins, Piero Farulli on viola, and Franco Rossi on cello, was renowned for their technical brilliance and expressive depth. This collection is a testament to their artistry, capturing the essence of their live performances with stunning clarity and fidelity.
The album spans a duration of over three hours and thirty-two minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through the string quartet literature. From the intense and dramatic movements of Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 7 in F Minor to the lyrical elegance of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 3 in A Major, Op. 41/3, each piece is performed with precision and passion.
Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful String Quartet No. 8 in B-Flat Major, Op. 168 by Franz Schubert, and the dynamic contrast of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Op. 41/2. The ensemble's interpretation of Mozart's String Quartet in F Major, M. 35, and Haydn's String Quartet in G Major, Op. 77/1, further underscores their versatility and musical insight.
This remastered collection is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to experience the live performances of one of the most influential string quartets of the 20th century. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of chamber music, "The Complete RIAS Recordings" by Quartetto Italiano is an essential addition to your library, providing hours of captivating listening and a deep appreciation for the art of string quartet performance.
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
