Quartetto di Cremona

Maurice Ravel was 28 when he composed his only string quartet in 1903. It was considered by many to be his first masterpiece. Within what seems on the surface to be a traditional four-movement structure, there is a great deal of boldness: the richness of colour is unparalleled, and the music is rhythmically vibrant and varied, with occasional elements of folk music. The piece quickly became popular. 

We also hear the first of Arnold Schoenberg’s total of five string quartets (four numbered). It is from about the same time as Ravel’s quartet, and in Schoenberg’s case as well, it was considered a first masterpiece. This music is big and grand, with intense and emotional storytelling in a lively, late-Romantic style.  

The Italian Quartetto di Cremona has guest-performed at Konserthuset on two previous occasions in 2016 and 2018. The quartet formed in 2000 and in their first 20+ years, they have recorded around 15 albums, including all of Beethoven’s string quartets.