Description
20th-Century String Quartets | Cuarteto Casals
Product Information
- UPC: 3149020839010
- Label: Harmonia Mundi – HMG 508390.91
- Series: HM Gold
- Format: 2 x CD, Compilation
- Country: Europe
- Release Year: 2012
- Genre: Classical
- Style: Modern
Overview
"20th-Century String Quartets" is an extraordinary double CD set performed by the internationally renowned Cuarteto Casals, one of Spain’s most celebrated string quartets. Known for their precision, warmth, and deep musical insight, the ensemble brings new life to a rich selection of works from some of the most influential composers of the early 20th century.
This album features Claude Debussy’s and Maurice Ravel’s iconic string quartets—cornerstones of the Impressionist movement—whose shimmering textures, subtle tonal shifts, and emotional nuance are interpreted here with both elegance and vitality. The quartet by Eduard Toldrà, a Catalan composer often overlooked internationally, adds a regional voice that blends lyricism with Mediterranean lightness, providing a fresh and deeply personal contrast to the more widely recognized French pieces. Rounding out the collection is Alexander Zemlinsky’s String Quartet No. 2, a complex and emotionally charged work that straddles the Romantic and Modernist eras, filled with expressive density and chromatic beauty. Cuarteto Casals’ performance is notable for its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to reveal the unique character of each piece. Their interpretations underscore the emotional depth, structural innovation, and stylistic diversity of 20th-century quartet writing. Recorded with exceptional sound clarity, this release captures not only the technical brilliance of the performers but also the intricate interplay and dialogue that define chamber music at its finest. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to the genre, 20th-Century String Quartets offers a captivating journey through some of the most compelling string quartet repertoire of the modern era.
Product Features
- Format: 2 x CD, Compilation
- Label: Harmonia Mundi
- Release Year: 2012
- Country: Europe
- Genre: Classical
- Style: Modern
Interesting Facts
- Cultural Connections: The album explores the links between composers from different cultural backgrounds, showcasing how their works reflect influences and exchanges between Vienna, Paris, and Madrid.
- Cuarteto Casals: Based in Barcelona, the quartet is known for their dedication to both performance and education, teaching at the Escola Superior de Musica de Catalunya.
- Diverse Repertoire: This compilation not only features well-known works but also highlights lesser-known pieces, providing a comprehensive view of the string quartet repertoire in the 20th century.
Track Listing
- Debussy: String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10
- Zemlinsky: Quatuor à cordes nº 2, Op. 15
- Ravel: String Quartet in F major
- Toldrà: Vistas al mar
Publishers
Published by Harmonia Mundi in 2012. All rights reserved under UPC 3149020839010.
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Hashtags
English:
#20thCenturyStringQuartets #CuartetoCasals #Debussy #Ravel #Toldrá #Zemlinsky #HarmoniaMundi #ClassicalMusic
