Ignaz Schuppanzigh's quartet gave the first 'public' performances of string quartets in 1804, transforming the genre from home entertainment to concert music.
Performer Biography
The Alexander String Quartet, formed in 1981, serves as directors of the Morrison Chamber Music Center at SF State and Ensemble in Residence with San Francisco Performances.
Historical Context
Beethoven played in performances of Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro' and 'Don Giovanni' in Bonn while Mozart was still alive.
Composition History
Beethoven's friendship with violinist Ignaz Schuppanzigh, who led the first quartet to perform many of Beethoven's quartets, lasted until the composer's death.
Composition History
Beethoven had enlightened patrons like Prince Carl Lichnowsky and Count Andreas Razumovsky, who not only maintained string quartets but also commissioned works from him.
Composer Biography
Beethoven, known for his piano virtuosity, was also a string player, taking violin and viola lessons as a boy and playing viola in orchestras as a teenager.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven's seventeen string quartets illustrate the traditional three-period division of his music, with this album focusing on the six early quartets of Opus 18.
You might also enjoy...
Beethoven, L. Van: String Quartets Nos. 1-6 (Early String Quartets)
Beethoven: The String Quartets, Live from Suntory Hall, Tokyo, Vol. 1
