Wilhelm Stenhammar was a versatile Swedish composer, writing operas, symphonies, piano concertos, songs, piano music, and a violin sonata, in addition to his string quartets.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Stenhammar deeply valued the Aulin Quartet, a string quartet led by violinist Tor Aulin, stating that it educated him, turned him into a musician, and was the incarnation of everything exalted in music.
Composition History
Wilhelm Stenhammar composed a total of seven string quartets between 1894 and 1916, a series unique in Scandinavian music of its time for its consistency and musical aspirations.
Album & Artwork
The album's front cover features 'Underlandet' (Wonderland), an oil painting from 1894 by August Strindberg, a playwright and artist with whom Stenhammar shared mutual respect.
Performer Biography
The Stenhammar Quartet, formed in 2002, is one of Scandinavia's leading string quartets, regularly commissioning works from Nordic composers and performing Viennese Classical and contemporary music.
Performer Biography
The Stenhammar Quartet has received critical acclaim, including nominations for the Swedish 'Grammis' Awards and praise from MusicWeb International for their "articulate communicative devotion and emotional precision."
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Johannes Brahms: String Quartets in A Minor, Op. 51, No. 2 & Felix Otto Dessoff: String Quartet in F Major, Op. 7
