Béla Bartók: Complete String Quartets Nos. 1–6 – Guarneri Quartet (Newton Classics 8802111, 2CD Set)

• UPC: 8718247711116
• MPN (Manufacturer Part Number): 8802111
• Brand Name: Newton Classics
• Product Type: 2 Audio CD Set
• Genre: Classical / 20th Century
• Style: Chamber Music / Modernist String Quartets
• Recording Type: ADD Stereo
• Total Duration: 153′20″

Overview

Experience the profound artistry of Béla Bartók (1881–1945) through his complete cycle of String Quartets Nos. 1–6, performed by the legendary Guarneri Quartet. These six quartets represent Bartók’s extraordinary journey as a composer — from his early romantic introspection to the rhythmic vitality and modernist brilliance of his later works.

Recorded in New York City (1974–1976) under producer Peter Dellheim, this Newton Classics 2CD edition preserves the power and precision of the original RCA recordings, presenting them with renewed clarity and warmth.

The Guarneri Quartet — Arnold Steinhardt (violin), John Dalley (violin), Michael Tree (viola), and David Soyer (cello) — delivers performances that combine technical mastery with emotional depth, widely regarded among the finest ever recorded of these monumental chamber works.

Product Features

• Format: 2 Audio CD Set
• Total Playing Time: CD1 – 76′28″ / CD2 – 76′52″
• Recording Type: ADD Stereo
• Recording Dates: 1974–1976
• Recording Location: New York City, USA
• Producer: Peter Dellheim
• Ensemble: Guarneri Quartet
• Country of Manufacture: Netherlands
• Original Label: RCA (Remastered & reissued by Newton Classics BV)

Interesting Facts

• The Six Quartets: Often described as a 20th-century counterpart to Beethoven’s string quartets, Bartók’s six masterpieces trace the evolution of modern music — blending folk idioms, daring harmonies, and emotional intensity.
• The Guarneri Legacy: Formed in 1964, the Guarneri Quartet became synonymous with refinement and integrity, performing worldwide and setting a gold standard for chamber interpretation.
• Historic Recordings: These landmark 1970s sessions capture the ensemble at their interpretive peak, balancing Bartók’s fierce rhythmic drive with a deep sense of lyricism.
• Cultural Significance: Bartók’s quartets mark a pivotal moment in 20th-century chamber music — fusing Hungarian folk roots with modernist expression, influencing generations of composers.

Track Listing

CD 1 – 76′28″

String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7, Sz. 40 I. Lento – 9′27″ II. Poco a poco accelerando all’ Allegretto – 8′37″ III. Introduzione: Allegro – Allegro vivace – Adagio – Tempo I – 12′44″

String Quartet No. 3, Sz. 85 I. Prima parte: Moderato – 4′56″ II. Seconda parte: Allegro – 5′26″ III. Ricapitulazione della prima parte: Moderato – 2′50″ IV. Coda: Allegro molto – 1′48″

String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102 I. Allegro – 7′26″ II. Adagio molto – 5′06″ III. Scherzo: Alla bulgarese – 5′23″ IV. Andante – 5′47″ V. Finale: Allegro vivace – 6′58″

CD 2 – 76′52″

String Quartet No. 2, Op. 17, Sz. 67 I. Moderato – 9′57″ II. Allegro molto capriccioso – 7′45″ III. Lento – 9′07″

String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91 I. Allegro – 5′18″ II. Prestissimo, con sordino – 2′44″ III. Non troppo lento – 5′02″ IV. Allegretto pizzicato – 2′51″ V. Allegro molto – 5′22″

String Quartet No. 6, Sz. 114 I. Mesto – Vivace – 7′12″ II. Mesto – Marcia – 7′48″ III. Mesto – Burletta (Moderato) – 6′50″ IV. Mesto – Molto tranquillo – 6′56″

Total Duration: 153′20″

Publishers

Originally recorded by Sony Music Entertainment (RCA), reissued and digitally remastered by Newton Classics BV. Manufactured and printed in the Netherlands.

All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorized copying, lending, or public performance prohibited.

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