Beethoven: String Quartets Vol.1

In 2001, Zig-Zag Territoires had already perceived the singularity as well as the potential of this ensemble, which had just won the Bordeaux International Quartet Competition. That first encounter had resulted in a very fine disc devoted to the quartets of Janaek, widely hailed by the critics (Diapason dOr). In the ensuing eleven years, the Belcea Quartet built up a large repertoire and initiated a discography with our colleagues at EMI that attracted considerable attention. Thus this is a particularly propitious moment to implement a new, confident, long-term partnership between Belcea and ZZT. This collaboration is beginning with a complete recording of the Beethoven Quartets, a founding cycle if ever there was one. The Belcea Quartet began a worldwide tour focussing on this cycle that will continue through the end of the 2012-13 season. The second volume will follow in 2013.
Eleven years after launching their recording career with Zig-Zag Territoires, the Belcea Quartet return to the boutique label with their first volume of Beethoven’s complete String Quartets. Tuning remains pristine throughout, while tone, expressivity and attack is bolder, from the heroic yearnings and benign variations of Opus 18 Nos 1, 2, 4 and 6, to the ferocity of Opus 95 and the numinous reflections of Opus 131. Faultless and unsettling Picard. –Independent on SundayTuning remains pristine throughout, while tone, expressivity and attack is bolder, from the heroic yearnings and benign variations of Opus 18 Nos 1, 2, 4 and 6, to the ferocity of Opus 95 and the numinous reflections of Opus 131. Faultless and unsettling. Anna Picard. –Independent on Sunday