Beethoven: Late String Quartets, Vol. 1

String Quartet in C-sharp Minor, Op. 131 String Quartet in F Major, Op. 135

When people discuss the greatest contributions to the arts in Western civilization, names such as Shakespeare, da Vinci, and Beethoven inevitably arise. Proponents for Beethoven cite his five late quartets, which were the final works that he completed. In this second of three volumes, the Cypress String Quartet continues to bring a fresh voice of humanity and clarity to these monumental works.

Purchase this album direct from the artists at cypressquartet.bandcamp.com



SAMPLES / TRACK LISTING
  • Beethoven 131-1 1. Beethoven Quartet in C-Sharp Minor, Op.131 - I. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo 5:44
  • Beethoven 131-2 2. Op.131 - II. Allegro molto vivace 3:06
  • Beethoven 131-3 3. Op.131 - III. Allegro moderato 0:43
  • Beethoven 131-4 4. Op.131 - IV. Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile-Piu mosso-Andante moderato e lusinghiero-Adagio-Allegretto-Adagio ma non troppo e semplice-Allegretto 14:27
  • Beethoven 131-5 5. Op.131 - V. Presto 5:19
  • Beethoven 131-6 6. Op.131 - VI. Adagio quasi un poco andante 2:13
  • Beethoven 131-7 7. Op.131 - VII. Allegro 6:58
  • Beethoven 135-1 8. Beethoven Quartet in F Major, Op.135 - I.Allegretto 6:41
  • Beethoven 135-2 9. Op.135 - II. Vivace 3:20
  • Beethoven 135-3 10. Op.135 - III. Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo 7:17
  • Beethoven 135-4 11. Op.135 - IV. Grave ma non troppo tratto - Allegro 6:56

REVIEWS

For Beethoven Late Quartets, Vol 1
"Another recording of Beethoven String Quartets seems almost unnecessary, but this one by the San Francisco-based Cypress String Quartet doesn't belong on the slush pile. Presenting two late works, the Cypress players converse with such rare sincerity as to make long-familiar music sound utterly fresh. Throw in their technical aplomb and rich, cohesive tone, in which every voice is significant, and you've got a pair of definitive statements. Happily, more are coming; This is merely volume one. Grade: A"
- Cleveland Plain Dealer