Ludwig van Beethoven - String Quartets, Op. 59 Nos. 1 & 2 (Chiaroscuro Quartet)

Information

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

• String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1 "Razumovsky"
• String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59 No. 2 "Razumovsky"

Chiaroscuro Quartet

    Alina Ibragimova, violin

    Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux, violin

    Emilie Hörnlund, viola

    Claire Thirion, cello

Date: 2026

Label: BIS

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The Chiaroscuro Quartet presents the fourth installment of their complete Beethoven string quartet cycle, featuring the first two of the Op. 59 Razumovsky quartets, commissioned by the Russian ambassador Count Andreas Razumovsky. Beethoven regarded these works highly, despite initial bewilderment over their technical and musical challenges. The first quartet in F major, notable for its length and density, has been called the “Eroica” of his quartets, while the second in E minor is closely related in character to the Appassionata Sonata, sharing its profound darkness. The Chiaroscuro Quartet’s cycle has been widely acclaimed for its vitality, insight, and expressive depth, and this release continues that tradition.

Formed in 2005, the Chiaroscuro Quartet features violinists Alina Ibragimova and Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux, violist Emilie Hörnlund, and cellist Claire Thirion. Acclaimed as “a trailblazer for the authentic performance of High Classical chamber music” (Gramophone), the ensemble performs on gut strings with historical bows, focusing on Classical and early Romantic repertoire. They have collaborated with leading artists such as Kristian Bezuidenhout, Trevor Pinnock, and Christophe Coin. Recent highlights include tours in Japan and the U.S., and performances at venues like Konzerthaus Vienna and the Berlin Pierre Boulez Saal. Their 2024–25 season includes returns to Wigmore Hall, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, and a North American tour.