Alban Berg Quartett - Beethoven Early Strings Quartets

For nearly forty years the Alban Berg Quartett has been considered one of the most famous quartets of all time, performing regularly in music capitals and major festivals throughout the world. They had their own concert series at the Vienna Konzerthaus (where they made their debut in 1971 and where they are now Honorary Members), at the Royal Festival Hall London, (where they are Associate Artists), at the Opera Zurich, the Theatre des Champs-Elysées in Paris, the Cologne Philharmonie and at the Alte Oper Frankfurt.

Since they were founded the Alban Berg Quartett have been prolific recording artists and have received over thirty major international awards, including the Grand Prix du Disque, the Deutsche Schallplattenpreis, the Edison Prize, the first International Classical Music Award, the Japan Grand Prix, and the Gramophone Magazine Award. Many of these recordings are regarded as definitive by public and critics alike.

The Alban Berg Quartet's recording of Beethoven's early string quartets (Opus 18) is considered a milestone in the interpretation of this work. The ensemble recorded the pieces between 1978 and 1983, which is regarded as the highlight of its discography. 

This Revox I Horch House release comes entirely from the analogue master tapes, which have been perfectly refurbished by Christoph Stickel in Vienna, Austria.

Quartet for 2 violins, viola and violoncello in F major Op. 18 No. 1
01 Allegro con brio
02 Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato
03 Scherzo (Allegro molto)
04 Allegro

Quartet for 2 violins, viola and violoncello in G major Op. 18 No. 2
01 Allegro
02 Adagio cantabile
03 Scherzo (Allegro)
04 Allegro molto, quasi presto

Quartet for 2 violins, viola and violoncello in D major Op. 18 No. 3
01 Allegro
02 Andante con moto
03 Allegro
04 Presto

Quartet for 2 violins, viola and violoncello in C minor Op. 18 No. 4
01 Allegro ma non tanto
02 Scherzo (Andante scherzoso quasi Allegretto)
03 Menuetto (Allegretto)
04 Allegro

Quartet for 2 violins, viola and violoncello in A major Op. 18 No. 5
01 Allegro
02 Menuetto
03 Andante cantabile
04 Allegro

Quartet for 2 violins, viola and violoncello in B flat major Op. 18 No. 6
01 Allegro con brio
02 Adagio, ma non troppo
03 Scherzo (Allegro)
04 La Malinconia - Adagio • Allegretto quasi Allegro

Studio Master Product Configuration:

1/4” - 2 Track RTM SM900 - 15IPS - 38cm/sec - CCIR - 510 nWb/m - 6 Precision Metal Reels - Special Archive Boxes - Horch House Deluxe Packaging