Ariel Quartet * Beethoven: Complete String Quartets Vol. Ii [New CD]

Formed in Israel almost three decades ago and now based in the United States, the Ariel Quartet has earned international acclaim for performances that combine bold interpretive vision with exceptional technical mastery. This second volume in their complete Beethoven cycle focuses on the composer's heroic middle period, featuring the three expansive Razumovsky Quartets Op.59, the noble Harp Quartet Op.74, and the intense, compact Serioso Quartet Op.95. Written between 1806 and 1810, these works mark a decisive break from Classical models, embracing structural innovation, contrapuntal richness, and moments of profound lyricism. From the grandeur of the Op.59 set, with it's Russian folk melodies, to the lyrical intimacy of the Harp and the concentrated drama of the Serioso, the Ariel Quartet brings a rare combination of insight, energy, and unity born of over 25 years of shared music-making. Recorded by Grammy Award-winning producer Jesse Lewis, this release captures both the scale and the intimacy of Beethoven's vision, offering a compelling portrait of a composer at the height of his creative powers. Tracklist: Beethoven: String Quartet No.7 in F major, Op.59 No.1 - Allegro Beethoven: String Quartet No.7 in F major, Op.59 No.1 - Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzando Beethoven: String Quartet No.7 in F major, Op.59 No.1 - Adagio molto e mesto Beethoven: String Quartet No.7 in F major, Op.59 No.1 - Thème Russe: Allegro Beethoven: String Quartet No.9 in C major, Op.59 No.3 - Introduzione: Andante con moto - Allegro vivace Beethoven: String Quartet No.9 in C major, Op.59 No.3 - Andante con moto quasi allegretto Beethoven: String Quartet No.9 in C major, Op.59 No.3 - Menuetto: Grazioso Beethoven: String Quartet No.9 in C major, Op.59 No.3 - Allegro molto Beethoven: String Quartet No.8 in E minor, Op.59 No.2 - Allegro Beethoven: String Quartet No.8 in E minor, Op.59 No.2 - Molto adagio Beethoven: String Quartet No.8 in E minor, Op.59 No.2 - Allegretto Beethoven: String Quartet No.8 in E minor, Op.59 No.2 - Presto Beethoven: String Quartet No.10 in E-flat major, Op.74 - Poco adagio - Allegro Beethoven: String Quartet No.10 in E-flat major, Op.74 - Adagio ma non troppo Beethoven: String Quartet No.10 in E-flat major, Op.74 - Presto Beethoven: String Quartet No.10 in E-flat major, Op.74 - Allegretto con variazioni Beethoven: String Quartet No.11 in F minor, Op.95 `Quartetto serioso' - Allegro con brio Beethoven: String Quartet No.11 in F minor, Op.95 `Quartetto serioso' - Allegretto ma non troppo Beethoven: String Quartet No.11 in F minor, Op.95 `Quartetto serioso' - Allegro assai vivace ma serioso Beethoven: String Quartet No.11 in F minor, Op.95 `Quartetto serioso' - Larghetto espressivo - Allegretto agitato - Allegro UPC: 5060189564286 Label: ORCHID CLASSICS Release Date: 11.21.25 Format: Pre-Order