Fresh, vibrant, informed; these are adjectives that continue to apply to the
Beethoven string quartet cycle performed by the
Artemis Quartett on the Virgin Classics label. Having studied with some of the world's finest ensembles -- including the
LaSalle,
Alban Berg,
Emerson, and
Juilliard quartets --
Artemis exceeds the sum of its education by not simply mimicking its predecessors, but improving upon them. Even listeners who are well acquainted with the
Beethoven cycle and the numerous magnificent recordings available will find something new and intriguing with
Artemis. The combination of both aggressive and sublimely gentle sound qualities, the nearly electric urgency in fast movements, the ability to make time stand still in slow movements, and the thorough understanding of the progression from early to late
Beethoven quartets combine to make performances that grip listeners' attention and keep it. This volume features quartets from opposite ends of
Beethoven's output, demonstrating not only how far
Beethoven took the genre during his lifetime, but the varied techniques and colors
Artemis brings to accentuate these differences. Op. 18/1 began
Beethoven's early quartet period, and Op. 127 launched the final, profound set of late quartets. Both are recorded in Virgin's wonderfully clear, rich, and detailed sound quality making for an album worthy of any collection.