Beethoven: The Complete String Quartets - The 1982 Live Recordings

Sony Classical is pleased to announce an exceptional new batch of reissues from the CBS/Sony and RCA Victor/BMG back catalogues. This latest instalment of the popular series showcases two of the most fascinating and provocative conductors of the last half century, as well as two legendary string quartets and some remarkable pianists playing treasures of Viennese Classicism.

In the 1960s and in the decades following, the Budapest's mantle at Columbia was passed on to the Juilliard String Quartet. Over the years, with some changes in personnel, the ensemble repeatedly set down its famously lean, energetic and expressive interpretations of the Beethoven quartets in New York recording studios. These have remained catalogue staples. Less well known is the Beethoven cycle they recorded live in Washington at the Library of Congress in 1982. Gramophone singled out this complete traversal for its special depth and flexibility. Presented here on 9 CDs, this is its first Sony release.

The Early String Quartets

CD 1:

Quartet No. 1 in F major op. 18/1

Quartet No. 2 in G major op. 18/2

CD 2:

Quartet No. 3 in D major op. 18/3

Quartet No. 4 in C minor op. 18/4

CD 3:

Quartet No. 5 in A major op. 18/5

Quartet No. 6 in B-flat major op. 18/6

The Middle String Quartets

CD 4:

Quartet No. 7 in F major op. "Rasumovsky" 59/1

CD 5:

Quartet No. 8 in E minor "Rasumovsky" op. 59/2

Quartet No. 9 in C major "Rasumovsky" op. 59/3

CD 6:

Quartet No. 10 in E-flat major "Harp" op. 74

Quartet No. 11 in F minor "Serioso" op. 95

The Late String Quartets

CD 7:

Quartet No. 12 in E-flat major op. 127

Quartet No. 13 in B-flat major op. 130

CD 8:

"Große Fuge" in B-flat major op. 133

Quartet No. 13 in E-flat major op. 130: IV Finale. Allegro

Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor op. 131

CD 9:

Quartet No. 15 in A minor op. 132

Quartet No. 16 in F major op. 135