The EMERSON Encores

The Emerson String Quartet presents "The Emerson Encores," a captivating collection of encores that showcase the ensemble's virtuosity and deep connection with the string quartet repertoire. Released in 2002 on Deutsche Grammophon, this album is a testament to the quartet's artistry, featuring a diverse range of works from some of the most celebrated composers in classical music.

Spanning nearly an hour and twenty minutes, the album offers a rich tapestry of chamber music, from the intense and dramatic to the delicate and serene. The Emerson String Quartet's performances are marked by their technical precision, expressive depth, and the unique chemistry that has made them one of the world's leading string quartets.

The album opens with a lively rendition of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: II. Presto, setting the stage for a journey through the centuries of string quartet literature. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Adagio for Strings" in its original form, the fiery "Prestissimo" from Bartók's String Quartet No. 4, and the playful "Scherzo" from Dvořák's String Quartet in G Minor, CD 91.

"Crisantemi" by Puccini and the "Italian Serenade" add a touch of romance and lyricism to the program. The album also features live performances, such as the "Allegro non troppo" from Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73, recorded at the Harris Concert Hall in Aspen in 1999.

Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Emerson Encores" offers a compelling introduction to the string quartet repertoire, performed by one of the most respected ensembles of our time. The album is a celebration of the string quartet's enduring appeal and the Emerson String Quartet's unparalleled mastery of the form.

The Emerson String Quartet, formed in 1976 at the prestigious Juilliard School, has been a beacon of excellence in the world of chamber music for over four decades. Named after the esteemed American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, this American string quartet is renowned for its innovative approach, being one of the first ensembles where the two violinists, Eugene Drucker and Philip Setzer, alternate in the first violin position. With a rich history of performances and recordings, the Emerson String Quartet has solidified its reputation as one of the finest chamber music ensembles globally. Based in New York City, the quartet has been in residence at Stony Brook University, where they continue to inspire and educate new generations of musicians. Their discography spans a wide range of classical repertoire, from Mendelssohn and Brahms to Shostakovich, showcasing their versatility and mastery. Whether performing live or recorded, the Emerson String Quartet delivers performances that are as intellectually stimulating as they are emotionally resonant.