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Beethoven Around the World: Vienna, Op. 59 Nos 1 & 2

9/27/2019, 8 Tracks, 1:17:59

German Record Critic's Award - Quarterly Choice 1/2020.

Featuring

  • Pierre Colombet
  • Gabriel Le Magadure
  • Marie Chilemme
  • Raphaël Merlin
  • Quatuor Ebène
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

Did you know?

1/6

Performer Biography

Quatuor Ébène, the string quartet performing on this album, was formed in 1999 when the members were children, discovering the joy of quartet playing.

Source: Booklet

Composer's Artistic Vision

Beethoven's music, particularly his quartets, is described as having 'supernatural power' and being 'eternally contemporary,' affecting musicians and listeners across all eras.

Source: Booklet

Composition History

The Op. 59 'Razumovsky' quartets, featured on this album, belong to Beethoven's middle period and were written in Vienna in 1806 when he was 35 years old.

Source: Booklet

Cultural Impact

Beethoven's quartets are seen as embodying the emancipatory ideals of the French Revolution, making its influence audible in music.

Source: Booklet

Compositional Technique

Beethoven's compositional technique in the 'Razumovsky' quartets involved reducing material to its simplest elements, similar to the four-note themes found in his Fifth Symphony.

Source: Booklet

Interpretation

Quatuor Ébène decided to record the complete Beethoven quartet cycle live, rather than in a studio, to avoid 'sterile perfectionism' and connect with audiences.

Source: Booklet

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