Sibelius began composing a melodrama for recitation and string quartet based on Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Little Mermaid' around 1888.
Composer Biography
Jean Sibelius composed numerous string quartet pieces as a student at the Helsinki Music Institute from 1885-1889, ranging from short sketches to full-length movements.
Recording & Production
This album features the world première recording of several string quartet pieces by Sibelius.
Performer Biography
The Tempera Quartet has been responsible for the artistic direction of the Riihimäki Summer Concerts chamber music festival since 2004.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Early string quartet pieces by Sibelius show clear hints of his later 'Kalevala romantic' style, which would characterize works like The Wood-Nymph and Lemminkäinen and the Maidens of the Island.
Performer Biography
The Tempera Quartet, formed in 1997, was selected for the 'Rising Stars' scheme of the European Concert Hall Organization in 2000-01, leading to successful debuts at venues like Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall.
Compositional Technique
Sibelius's early string quartet works, such as the Moderato - Allegro appassionato in C sharp minor, already contain his trademarks like triplets, syncopations, and dotted rhythms.
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