Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performer: Doric String Quartet
Number of Discs: 2
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Chandos
Release: 2021
Size: 1.56 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
String Quartet No. 21 in D major, K575 ‘Prussian No. 1’
01. I. Allegretto
02. II. Andante
03. III. Menuetto. Allegretto
04. IV. Allegretto
String Quartet No. 22 in B flat major, K589 ‘Prussian No. 2’
05. I. Allegro
06. II. Larghetto
07. III. Menuetto. Moderato
08. IV. Allegro assai
String Quartet No. 23 in F Major, K590 ‘Prussian No. 3’
09. I. Allegro moderato
10. II. Andante
11. III. Menuetto. Allegretto
12. IV. Allegro
Towards the end of his life, short of money and heavily in debt, Mozart had the opportunity to visit King Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia – a famous patron of the arts and a keen and above-average musician. Mozart performed for the King and left with some cash and a commission for a set of six string quartets, of which these are the only three he completed. They are ground-breaking in the way in which Mozart utilised the voicing of the instruments. King Friedrich was a viola da gamba player turned cellist, and these works feature extensive melodies for the cello, usually in a high register, thus emancipating the cello from the bass line and introducing a more evenly blended texture.
Firmly established as one of the leading quartets of their generation, the Doric String Quartet enjoys a worldwide reputation and has performed at festivals and concert halls around the globe. Exclusive Chandos artists, the Quartet has drawn widespread critical acclaim for its recordings and won a number of prestigious awards.