In the summer of 1842, Robert Schumann (1810-1856) composed the three quartets Opus 41. In these works, he ingeniously navigated between the great examples of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven — ‘Beethoven who kept creating until his dying breath is to us an example of human greatness , but in Mozart’s and Haydn’s vineyards too there are heavily-laden trees which cannot easily be ignored ‘— but without losing sight of Schubert’s epic expressiveness and Mendelssohn’s melodious charm.
Robert Schumann – String Quartet in A Minor, Opus 41:1
1. Introduzione: Andante espressivo – Allegro, 2. Scherzo: Presto – Intermezzo – Presto, 3. Adagio, 4. Presto
Performed by: Doric String Quartet
CD: Chandos
Robert Schumann – String Quartet in A Major, Opus 41:3
1. Andante espressivo – Allegro molto moderato, 2. Assai agitato – Un poco Adagio – Tempo risoluto, 3. Adagio molto, 4. Finale: Allegro molto vivace
Performed by: Doric String Quartet
CD: Chandos
