Beethoven Complete String Quartets: Volume 3
Cedille, 2022
8/10
Listen to Beethoven Complete String Quartets: Volume 3
The Grammy nominated outfit Dover Quartet finish off their Beethoven cycle with these 5 late, revolutionary quartets that unfold across 3 discs of precise and exciting musicianship.
“Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127” starts the listen with the meticulously and swift strings that can also retreat to calmer moments of beauty, and “Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat major, Op. 130” follows with the playful string interaction making for a very captivating album highlight.
In the middle, the tense and meticulous “Grosse Fuge in B-flat major, Op. 133” manipulates the strings in very atypical ways, while “Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131” finds intimate areas to reside in that rely on strong attention to mood and atmosphere.
The final piece, “Quartet No. 16 in F major, Op. 135”, flows with plenty of thriving, melodic gestures that illustrate the dynamic relationship between the players.
This is the 5th album from the Dover Quartet on the Cedille label, and like everything they’ve done, it again cements just why they are considered one of the most exceptional young quartets that exists today.
Travels well with: Anthony McGill & Gloria Chien- Here With You; Will Liverman- Dreams Of A New Day