Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Dmitri Shostakovich's string quartets with this comprehensive collection featuring Quartets Nos. 1 through 6. Released on March 7, 2025, under the esteemed Genuin label, this album spans over two and a half hours, offering a deep dive into the composer's masterful compositions.
This album showcases Shostakovich's unparalleled ability to convey a range of human experiences through his music. From the introspective and melancholic to the lively and exuberant, each quartet is a testament to his genius. The Asasello Quartet brings these works to life with precision and passion, capturing the essence of Shostakovich's unique voice.
The album begins with the String Quartet No. 1 in C Major, Op. 49, and progresses through to the String Quartet No. 6 in G Minor, Op. 101. Each quartet is a journey in itself, with multiple movements that explore different moods and themes. The inclusion of two additional pieces for string quartet, "Elegy" and "Polka," adds a delightful bonus to the collection, offering a glimpse into Shostakovich's versatility and creativity.
Shostakovich's string quartets are renowned for their complexity and depth, and this album is no exception. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Shostakovich's work, this collection is a treasure trove of musical brilliance. The intricate arrangements and the Asasello Quartet's impeccable performance make this album a standout in the world of chamber music.
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
