Composer: Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Performer: Arabella String Quartet
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Naxos
Catalogue: 8574360
Release: 2022
Size: 1.02 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Quartetto concertans No. 1 in B flat major
01. I. Allegro assai
02. II. Gratioso
Quartetto concertans No. 2 in G minor
03. I. Adagio
04. II. Aria andantino
Quartetto concertans No. 3 in C major
05. I. Allegro
06. II. Rondeau. Moderato
Quartetto concertans No. 4 in F major
07. I. Allegro
08. II. Rondeau
Quartetto concertans No. 5 in G major
09. I. Allegro assai
10. II. Gratioso
Quartetto concertans No. 6 in B flat major
11. I. Allegro
12. II. Aria con variazione
A brilliant swordsman, athlete, violin virtuoso and composer, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges might well lay claim to being the most talented figure in an age of remarkable individuals. The string quartet was still in its infancy in France in the 1770s, but while these pieces are small in scale they are exceptionally rewarding. Saint-Georges appreciated the intimate nature of this genre, avoiding overt soloistic virtuosity and exploring chamber music timbres, amply demonstrating his rich lyrical gifts and a natural ability to delight performers and audiences alike.