Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, an Italian-born composer, regarded the string quartet as the most 'difficult' and 'perfect' form of chamber music.
Composition History
The String Quartet No. 1 by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco was commissioned by and dedicated to Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, an American benefactress.
Recording & Production
This album features world premiere recordings of all three string quartets by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco.
Historical Context
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco emigrated to the United States in 1939 and became an American citizen, but still considered himself 'Florentine in his soul'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's String Quartet No. 2 was described by the composer as 'more emotive and subjective' than his other works, and he considered it his best chamber work of recent years.
Composition History
The String Quartet No. 3, 'Casa al Dono', by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco was inspired by his memories of his homeland and conversations with art historian Bernard Berenson at his residence in Vallombrosa.
Composition History
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco composed his String Quartet No. 2 in F minor in a single week at his villa in Usigliano, Italy, after returning for the first time in nine years.
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