Mozart: The Last String Quartets – Juilliard String Quartet (Newton Classics 8802188, 2CD Set)

• UPC: 8718247711888
• MPN (Manufacturer Part Number): 8802188
• Brand Name: Newton Classics
• Product Type: 2 Audio CD Set
• Genre: Classical / Chamber Music
• Style: String Quartets
• Recording Type: ADD Stereo
• Total Duration: 105′27″

Overview

Celebrate the refined artistry of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) with The Last String Quartets, masterfully performed by the world-renowned Juilliard String Quartet.

This Newton Classics 2CD collection features Mozart’s final four string quartets — Nos. 20–23 (K499, K575, K589, K590) — written between 1786 and 1790. These works, often known as the “Prussian Quartets”, mark the culmination of Mozart’s exploration of the quartet form: elegant, balanced, and infused with a new warmth and introspection.

Recorded in November 1974 at the legendary Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York City, and produced by Steven Epstein, these interpretations combine technical precision with expressive beauty. The Juilliard String Quartet — Robert Mann, Earl Carlyss, Samuel Rhodes, and Joel Krosnick — brings unmatched insight and vitality to these late masterpieces, highlighting the genius of Mozart’s mature chamber style.

Product Features

• Format: 2 Audio CDs
• Recording Type: ADD Stereo
• Recording Date: November 21, 1974
• Recording Location: Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York City, USA
• Producer: Steven Epstein
• Total Duration: 105′27″
• Ensemble: Juilliard String Quartet
• Label: Newton Classics BV (licensed from Sony Music Entertainment)
• Country of Manufacture: European Union

Interesting Facts

• The “Prussian” Dedication: Mozart composed these quartets for King Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia, himself an accomplished cellist — hence the rich, lyrical prominence of the cello throughout these works.
• A Master’s Farewell: These quartets represent Mozart’s final essays in the form, distilling his lifelong dialogue between melody and counterpoint into music of sublime grace and structural clarity.
• Historic Studio: Columbia’s 30th Street Studio — affectionately nicknamed “The Church” — was the recording site for many legendary classical and jazz albums, adding natural resonance and warmth to this cycle.
• Artistic Legacy: The Juilliard String Quartet, founded in 1946, has long been one of America’s leading ensembles, known for their intellectual depth and emotional power.

Track Listing

CD 1

String Quartet No. 20 in D Major, K499 “Hoffmeister” I. Allegretto – 9′39″ II. Menuetto: Allegretto – Trio – 3′20″ III. Adagio – 10′02″ IV. Allegro – 6′36″

String Quartet No. 21 in D Major, K575 “Prussian No. 1” I. Allegretto – 7′50″ II. Andante – 4′54″ III. Menuetto: Allegretto – Trio – 6′12″ IV. Allegretto – 6′00″

CD 2

String Quartet No. 22 in B-flat Major, K589 “Prussian No. 2” I. Allegro – 6′21″ II. Larghetto – 6′48″ III. Menuetto: Moderato – Trio – 6′27″ IV. Allegro assai – 3′38″

String Quartet No. 23 in F Major, K590 “Prussian No. 3” I. Allegro moderato – 8′49″ II. Allegretto – 7′59″ III. Menuetto: Allegretto – Trio – 4′10″ IV. Allegro – 6′42″

Total Duration: 105′27″

Publishers

Originally recorded by Sony Music Entertainment (Columbia). Reissued and digitally remastered by Newton Classics BV (2013). Manufactured and printed in the EU.

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

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