Sacconi Quartet - Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 18, Vol. 1 (2011)

The Sacconi Quartet presents a new recording of three of Beethoven’s masterful early string quartets. The Opus 18 quartets (Nos 1, 4 and 6) appear on the third release on the Quartet’s own label, Sacconi Records. The disc is released upon the recent completion of the Sacconi Quartets’ two year Beethoven Cycle, performed in the UK at both the Canterbury Festival and Music at St Peter’s, Wallingford.

This set of six works, published as Opus 18 in 1801, were Beethoven’s first attempt at writing for the string quartet. Beginning these early masterpieces, the 28 year old Beethoven was already known for his virtuosic improvisations and remarkable musicianship. In these quartets he not only demonstrates his skill and mastery of the medium as developed by Haydn and Mozart, but also explores new musical territory, anticipating later developments in his compositional style.

The F major quartet (Op.18 No.1) is a masterpiece in brilliance and vitality, with a slow movement that contains some of the most sensitive and tragic writing of his earlier works.

In Op.18 No.4 in C minor, Beethoven moves towards a more concerto-like format and the first violin dominates in this vibrant and atmospheric piece. The final quartet of the set, Op.18 No.6 in B flat major is a work of extreme contrasts, and the slow introduction to the last movement, La Malinconia, is a celebrated passage of profound originality.

The Sacconi Quartet is one of the UK's leading string quartets. Since its formation at the Royal College of Music in 2001, it has established a secure and substantial reputation. The Quartet is recognised for its unanimous and compelling ensemble, performing with style and commitment and consistently communicating with a fresh and imaginative approach. Its four founder members demonstrate a shared passion for string quartet repertoire, infectiously reaching out to audiences with their energy and enthusiasm. Over the past decade they have enjoyed a highly successful international career, performing regularly throughout Europe, at London’s major venues, in recordings and radio broadcasts.