Belcea Quartet

The Belcea Quartet was founded in London in 1994, but the four members have roots in Romania, Poland and France. The repertoire ranges from the classical era to new compositions. In slightly more than 25 years as an ensemble, they have performed on all the major stages worldwide. Since their debut at Konserthuset Stockholm in 2008, they have returned many times, including with performances of all of Bartók and Beethoven’s quartets. 

Schubert was 16 years old when he composed the early String Quartet No. 10, and the music was first performed in his home, most likely with Schubert himself on viola, his father on cello and his brothers on the violins. The music reflects his rapid growth and increased confidence in the form, surely with Haydn serving as an influential ideal.  

The Belcea Quartet also presents a brand new composition by French composer Guillaume Connesson (born 1970), his second string quartet. He has composed in every genre, including an opera and numerous orchestral works recorded on historic Deutsche Grammophon. 

Debussy is not primarily associated with string quartets, and we hear his only one here. Outwardly, it may seem traditional in the key of G minor, but he frees himself artistically in poetically inspired and original music with sensual gestures. Debussy the “Impressionist” finds his language here.