The Ying Quartet's 'LifeMusic' commissioning project supports the creation of new music that reflects contemporary American life by both established and emerging composers.
Composer Biography
Robert Schumann, a 19th-century composer, faced a mysterious injury to his right hand that sidetracked his ambitions as a concert pianist.
Interpretation
The performers of this album approach Schumann's quartets by adhering to his metronome markings, even when they seem unusually fast, to capture the intended character and vitality.
Composition History
The year 1842 was Schumann's 'year of chamber music,' during which he composed his three string quartets, piano quartet, and piano quintet.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schumann dedicated his string quartets to Felix Mendelssohn, another prominent 19th-century composer, 'in deepest admiration.'
Composition History
Schumann's three string quartets were all composed in a few weeks during the summer of 1842, a period he dedicated to chamber music.
Performer Biography
The Ying Quartet, the performers on this album, won a GRAMMY® Award in 2005 for their collaboration 'Four + 4' with the Turtle Island Quartet.
