Emerson’s Mozart
The three string quartets on this album have been recorded many times; but a performance by the well-known Emerson Quartet surely will get the attention of music lovers.
The music is that of a mature Mozart, his quartets numbers 21, 22, and 23 were composed toward the end of his life, when his total life experience and his technical capabilities were at their utmost maturity.
The “Prussian” designation originated from the person who commissioned these works, namely King Friedrich Wilhelm II of Germany, who employed a top cellist at court and wanted quartets that would show off his abilities. Mozart complied with a group of works that feature a very prominent Cello part to achieve the sounds and textures characteristic of the music of the last few years of Mozart’s life.
The Emerson Quartet gives an excellent, sensitive performance in which the effects of this feature on the overall texture are quite subtly conveyed. The tempos are typically rapid, and the group emphasizes the emotional intensity of this music. It’s a very exciting performance, which is really world-class.
Tracks on this CD are:
Mozart: String Quartet No. 21 in D major (“Prussian 1”), K. 575
1) Allegretto
2) Andante
3) Menuetto. Allegretto – Trio
4) Allegretto
Mozart: String Quartet No. 22 in B flat major (“Prussian 2”), K. 589
1) Allegro
2) Larghetto
3) Menuetto. Moderato – Trio
4) Allegro assai [4:00]
Mozart: String Quartet No. 23 in F major (“Prussian 3”), K. 590
1) Allegro moderato
2) Andante
3) Menuetto. Allegretto – Trio
4) Allegro
Here are members of the Emerson String Quartet, talking and playing the Prussian quartets of Mozart (enjoy!)
Tags: Mozart, Prussian Quartets, Emerson String Quartet