Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 18 Nos. 1-3 / Eybler Quartet
Opus 18 needs little introduction as Beethovenâs supremely confident first step in total mastery of the Classical String Quartet. From the opening bars of Quartet No. 1 which bristle with curiosity and possibility to the wit and humor of Quartet No. 2 and the suppressed energy and teasing harmonic uncertainty of Quartet No. 3, Opus 18 represents Beethovenâs only quartet contribution during his âfirst periodâ and provides the listener with a tantalizing glimpse of the extraordinary music that was to follow. âThe sound of the strings is warm but not overly vibrated or assertive; the articulation is clear but not didactic; the tempos are beautifully chosen, the ensemble perfect, and the intonation absolutely pure. This is music-making that reflects deeply human and attractive qualities⊠good humor, with, and invention.â (Tom Moore, Early Music America)
Opus 18 needs little introduction as Beethovenâs supremely confident first step in total mastery of the Classical String Quartet. From the opening bars of Quartet No. 1 which bristle with curiosity and possibility to the wit and humor of Quartet No. 2 and the suppressed energy and teasing harmonic uncertainty of Quartet No. 3, Opus 18 represents Beethovenâs only quartet contribution during his âfirst periodâ and provides the listener with a tantalizing glimpse of the extraordinary music that was to follow. âThe sound of the strings is warm but not overly vibrated or assertive; the articulation is clear but not didactic; the tempos are beautifully chosen, the ensemble perfect, and the intonation absolutely pure. This is music-making that reflects deeply human and attractive qualities⊠good humor, with, and invention.â (Tom Moore, Early Music America)
Description
Opus 18 needs little introduction as Beethovenâs supremely confident first step in total mastery of the Classical String Quartet. From the opening bars of Quartet No. 1 which bristle with curiosity and possibility to the wit and humor of Quartet No. 2 and the suppressed energy and teasing harmonic uncertainty of Quartet No. 3, Opus 18 represents Beethovenâs only quartet contribution during his âfirst periodâ and provides the listener with a tantalizing glimpse of the extraordinary music that was to follow. âThe sound of the strings is warm but not overly vibrated or assertive; the articulation is clear but not didactic; the tempos are beautifully chosen, the ensemble perfect, and the intonation absolutely pure. This is music-making that reflects deeply human and attractive qualities⊠good humor, with, and invention.â (Tom Moore, Early Music America)
