This recording by The Juilliard String Quartet was made on November 21, 1974, at Columbia 30th Street Studio in New York City and was originally released in 1976.
Composition History
Mozart was forced to sell his 'Prussian' quartets for a small sum to Artaria, rather than his intended publisher Kozeluch, to get immediate cash due to his financial struggles.
Compositional Technique
The 'Prussian' quartets feature prominent cello parts, reflecting the commissioning King Frederick William II's skill as a cellist, and also incorporate asymmetrical phrasing and increased counterpoint.
Composition History
The last three quartets on this album (K. 575, 589, and 590) were commissioned by Frederick William II, the King of Prussia, who was a music lover and an excellent cellist.
Critical Reception
Mozart's last four string quartets, including those on this album, have been described as 'unjustly neglected' and overshadowed by his other works and Haydn's late quartets.
Composition History
Mozart's String Quartet in D Major, K. 499, known as the 'Hoffmeister' Quartet, was published as a single work between his 'Haydn' quartets and the later 'Prussian' quartets.
Composer Biography
Mozart faced significant financial difficulties and personal hardships, including mounting debts and illnesses in his family, during the period he composed the 'Prussian' quartets.
You might also enjoy...
Mozart: String Quartets Nos. 14 & 23
Mozart: String Quartets K. 575 & K. 590 "Prussia I & III" (On Period Instruments)
Mozart: The Last String Quartets
Mozart: The Last String Quartets No. 20, 21, 22, 23 on Period Instruments
Mozart: String Quartets K. 499 "Hoffmeister" & K. 589 "Prussia II" (On Period Instruments)
Haydn: The 7 Last Words of Jesus Christ, Op. 51 & String Quartet No. 68 in D Minor, Op. 103
