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Mozart: The Prussian Quartets / Chiaroscuro Quartet
BIS

Mozart: The Prussian Quartets / Chiaroscuro Quartet

$21.99

Details

Composer
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Artist
Chiaroscuro Quartet
Format
SACD
Discs
1
Label
BIS
Released
Nov 04, 2022
Catalog #
BIS-2558
UPC
7318599925585

About

After their exciting interpretations of Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert, the Chiaroscuro Quartet now turns to Mozart’s Prussian Quartets, his last compositions for this formation. These quartets were written for Friedrich Wilhelm II, King of Prussia and amateur cellist, and offer that instrument an unusually prominent role. The first of the three was composed fairly quickly, in June 1789, but the next two were not completed until the following year, and in the end Mozart’s plan for a set of six came to nothing. The writing of quartets was never an easy matter for Mozart. However, one would hardly guess that the Prussian quartets were the product of ‘exhausting labor’ (his own words), such is their beguiling ease of workmanship. No. 21 in D major stands out as one of the most melodious chamber compositions of Mozart’s mature period, emanating something of the sensual Mediterranean warmth of the opera Così fan tutte composed shortly afterwards. No. 22 in B flat major also emphasizes the importance of melody and gives the ‘royal’ cello some beautiful solos. As for No. 23 in F major, while it is tempting to hear a melancholy, autumnal quality in Mozart’s later works, there is, however, no sense of farewell in this his final string quartet: the spirit of Haydn is everywhere, especially in the finale with its effects borrowed from Hungarian folklore.

Tracklist 12 tracks

  1. 1 I. Allegretto 07:40
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Allegretto
    Duration
    07:40
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet
  2. 2 II. Andante 04:10
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Andante
    Duration
    04:10
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet
  3. 3 III. Menuetto: Allegretto 04:40
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Menuetto: Allegretto
    Duration
    04:40
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet
  4. 4 IV. Allegretto 05:48
    Track
    4
    Title
    IV. Allegretto
    Duration
    05:48
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet
  5. 5 I. Allegro 08:46
    Track
    5
    Title
    I. Allegro
    Duration
    08:46
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet
  6. 6 II. Larghetto 06:05
    Track
    6
    Title
    II. Larghetto
    Duration
    06:05
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet
  7. 7 III. Menuetto: Moderato 06:09
    Track
    7
    Title
    III. Menuetto: Moderato
    Duration
    06:09
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet
  8. 8 IV. Allegro assai 03:49
    Track
    8
    Title
    IV. Allegro assai
    Duration
    03:49
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet
  9. 9 I. Allegro moderato 12:39
    Track
    9
    Title
    I. Allegro moderato
    Duration
    12:39
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet
  10. 10 II. Andante (Allegretto) 10:56
    Track
    10
    Title
    II. Andante (Allegretto)
    Duration
    10:56
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet
  11. 11 III. Minuetto: Allegretto 03:14
    Track
    11
    Title
    III. Minuetto: Allegretto
    Duration
    03:14
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet
  12. 12 IV. Allegro 10:43
    Track
    12
    Title
    IV. Allegro
    Duration
    10:43
    Composer
    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Ensemble
    Chiaroscuro Quartet