Streichquartette (The Early String Quartets) – Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 11 (3xCD)

UPC: 028945376028 

MPN: 453 760-2 GCB3 

Brand Name: Deutsche Grammophon

Overview

Part of the Complete Beethoven Edition, Frühe Streichquartette (Volume 11) presents Ludwig van Beethoven’s early string quartets, including the complete Opus 18 cycle and rare early works catalogued under Hess numbers 30–36. These recordings capture the evolution of Beethoven’s compositional voice as he mastered the Classical quartet form, foreshadowing his later, more dramatic chamber works.

Performed by legendary ensembles—the Amadeus Quartet, the Hagen Quartet, and the Mendelssohn Quartet—this 3-CD collection highlights both the lyrical elegance and structural daring of Beethoven’s formative years. Digitally enhanced using Original-Image Bit-Processing, the edition achieves superior clarity, spatial depth, and tonal brilliance.

Product Features

• Format: 3 Compact Discs (ADD Stereo)
• Recording Label: Deutsche Grammophon / Polydor International GmbH, Hamburg
• Recording Years: 1962 (Op. 18) / 1969 (Hess 34) / 1977 (Hess 30, 31) / 1997 (Hess 32, 33, 36)
• Genre: Classical – Chamber Music
• Style: String Quartets (Early Works)
• Audio Process: Original-Image Bit-Processing (enhanced presence, brilliance, and room sound)

• Performers:

  Country of Manufacture: Germany
  • Amadeus Quartet – Op. 18 & Hess 34
  • Hagen Quartet – Hess 32, 33, 36
  • Mendelssohn Quartet – Hess 30 & 31 (under licence from edel, Hamburg)
• Catalogue Number: 453 760-2 GCB3
• Total Discs: 3 CDs

Interesting Facts

• Beethoven’s Artistic Beginnings: The Op. 18 quartets represent Beethoven’s first mature venture into the string quartet genre, a field dominated by Haydn and Mozart. His works blend Classical symmetry with a new expressive force.
• Rare Hess Compositions: The inclusion of Hess 30–36 provides insight into Beethoven’s sketches, early fugues, and reworkings, including a transcription of the Piano Sonata Op. 14 No. 1 for string quartet.
• Three Iconic Ensembles: The collaboration between the Amadeus, Hagen, and Mendelssohn Quartets brings a multigenerational interpretation—linking post-war classicism, modern precision, and expressive freedom.
• Digital Remastering Excellence: The Original-Image Bit-Processing used by Deutsche Grammophon enhances tonal richness and depth while preserving the warmth of the analog source recordings.
• Collector’s Edition Authenticity: Printed and made in Germany, this release stands as a benchmark for collectors of Beethoven’s complete chamber works.

Publishers

Published by: Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft GmbH, Hamburg Manufactured by: Polydor International GmbH, Hamburg In cooperation with: edel Gesellschaft für Produktmarketing mbH (Hamburg) Printed and Made in: Germany / Imprimé et Fabriqué en RFA

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