Ariel Quartet - Beethoven: Complete String Quartets Vol. II (CD)

Formed in Israel almost three decades ago and now based in the United States, the Ariel Quartet has earned international acclaim for performances that combine bold interpretive vision with exceptional technical mastery. This second volume in their complete Beethoven cycle focuses on the composer's heroic middle period, featuring the three expansive Razumovsky Quartets Op.59, the noble Harp Quartet Op.74, and the intense, compact Serioso Quartet Op.95. Written between 1806 and 1810, these works mark a decisive break from Classical models, embracing structural innovation, contrapuntal richness, and moments of profound lyricism. From the grandeur of the Op.59 set, with it's Russian folk melodies, to the lyrical intimacy of the Harp and the concentrated drama of the Serioso, the Ariel Quartet brings a rare combination of insight, energy, and unity born of over 25 years of shared music-making. Recorded by Grammy Award-winning producer Jesse Lewis, this release captures both the scale and the intimacy of Beethoven's vision, offering a compelling portrait of a composer at the height of his creative powers.

Track List:

Disc: 1

1. Beethoven: String Quartet No.7 in F major, Op.59 No.1 - Allegro
2. Beethoven: String Quartet No.7 in F major, Op.59 No.1 - Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzando
3. Beethoven: String Quartet No.7 in F major, Op.59 No.1 - Adagio molto e mesto
4. Beethoven: String Quartet No.7 in F major, Op.59 No.1 - Thème Russe: Allegro
5. Beethoven: String Quartet No.9 in C major, Op.59 No.3 - Introduzione: Andante con moto – Allegro vivace
6. Beethoven: String Quartet No.9 in C major, Op.59 No.3 - Andante con moto quasi allegretto
7. Beethoven: String Quartet No.9 in C major, Op.59 No.3 - Menuetto: Grazioso
8. Beethoven: String Quartet No.9 in C major, Op.59 No.3 - Allegro molto
9. Beethoven: String Quartet No.8 in E minor, Op.59 No.2 - Allegro
10. Beethoven: String Quartet No.8 in E minor, Op.59 No.2 - Molto adagio
11. Beethoven: String Quartet No.8 in E minor, Op.59 No.2 - Allegretto
12. Beethoven: String Quartet No.8 in E minor, Op.59 No.2 - Presto
13. Beethoven: String Quartet No.10 in E-flat major, Op.74 - Poco adagio – Allegro
14. Beethoven: String Quartet No.10 in E-flat major, Op.74 - Adagio ma non troppo
15. Beethoven: String Quartet No.10 in E-flat major, Op.74 - Presto
16. Beethoven: String Quartet No.10 in E-flat major, Op.74 - Allegretto con variazioni
17. Beethoven: String Quartet No.11 in F minor, Op.95 ‘Quartetto serioso’ - Allegro con brio
18. Beethoven: String Quartet No.11 in F minor, Op.95 ‘Quartetto serioso’ - Allegretto ma non troppo
19. Beethoven: String Quartet No.11 in F minor, Op.95 ‘Quartetto serioso’ - Allegro assai vivace ma serioso
20. Beethoven: String Quartet No.11 in F minor, Op.95 ‘Quartetto serioso’ - Larghetto espressivo – Allegretto agitato – Allegro