Bartók: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2

In the opening Moderato the Carmina communicate an eerie sense of mystery. The spiky rhythms of the central movement are notable and the concluding movement Lento has a shadowy character redolent... — MusicWeb International, July 2012 More…

Release Date: 2nd Jul 2012
Catalogue No: SM168
Label: Solo Musica
Length: 56 minutes

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Bartók: String Quartet No. 1, Sz 40 (Op. 7)

Work length30:05

Carmina Quartet

I. Lento

Track length9:02

II. Allegretto

Track length8:56

III. Introduzione: Allegro

Track length12:07

Bartók: String Quartet No. 2, Sz 67 (Op. 17)

Work length26:03

Carmina Quartet

I. Moderato

Track length9:47

II. Allegro molto capriccioso

Track length8:00

III. Lento

Track length8:16

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The string quartet occupies an important place in Bartók's oeuvre; the six quartets illustrate his characteristic musical style. As with Beethoven, each quartet seems to epitomize its respective creative period.

What makes the first of Bartók's six quartets so special is its direct connection to the late romantic period, which does not detract from the fact that he has already reached a very unique and personal style. The second quartet seems to seamlessly continue where Bartók left off with the first quartet, even though nearly 10 years lie between the two compositions. Intensity of expression, effortless perfection, and stylistic integrity are the hallmarks of the Carmina Quartet, founded in Switzerland in 1984. Spectacular success in string quartet competitions and headlines in the international press have paved the way for appearances worldwide.

Reviews

July 2012

In the opening Moderato the Carmina communicate an eerie sense of mystery. The spiky rhythms of the central movement are notable and the concluding movement Lento has a shadowy character redolent of wilderness and isolation.

Bartók: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2

CD

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