Beethoven's Op. 18 string quartets were commissioned by Prince Franz Joseph Lobkowitz, who also commissioned six quartets from Haydn around the same time.
Composer Biography
Beethoven initially focused on composing for his own instrument, the piano, before tackling the challenging genre of string quartets.
Performer Biography
The Chiaroscuro Quartet, formed in 2005, is an international ensemble with members from Russia, Spain, Sweden, and France.
Composition History
Beethoven spent nearly two years, from autumn 1798 to summer 1800, intensively working on his six Op. 18 quartets.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in June 2019 at Sendesaal, Bremen, Germany, and uses Neumann, DPA, and Schoeps microphones.
Interpretation
The Chiaroscuro Quartet performs Classical period music on gut strings, contributing to their unique sound described as 'a shock to the ears of the best kind'.
Composition History
Beethoven was so meticulous that he extensively rewrote the first three quartets of Op. 18 before their publication, even asking a friend not to circulate an early copy.
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