Beethoven – String Quartets

The Chiaroscuro Quartet now presents us with the fourth installment of its ongoing complete recording of the string quartets of Ludwig van Beethoven. This latest release focuses on the first two of the three quartets from Opus 59, known as the 'Razumovsky Quartets' and named after their patron, the Russian ambassador in Vienna, Count Andreas Razumovsky, who maintained a quartet in his palace. Beethoven was particularly proud of these new quartets, although they initially caused confusion among the public, critics, and even performers. When a violinist complained about the degree of difficulty, Beethoven famously replied: "Oh, they are not for you, but for a later time." The first in F major was almost certainly the longest string quartet to date, and the unparalleled weight and density gave it the nickname "Eroica" among Beethoven's quartets. The second in E minor is often described as a "close relative" of the "Appassionata" Sonata, because both works—which were composed around the same time—are permeated from beginning to end by a deep darkness. The previous releases of the Chiaroscuro Quartet in this cycle have already received the highest praise from the music press, praised as "breathtaking", "brimming with excitement and youthful vitality" and "a very special experience". There is no doubt that this latest release will also receive such glowing reviews.