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From the pen of the fifteen-year-old Beethoven, these three piano quartets are among the earliest examples of a chamber music genre that would not reach full maturity until the time of Brahms.
Beethoven’s path-breaking essays stand beside those of Mozart (Naxos 8554274), also dating from the mid-1780s. In them the teenage composer and virtuoso pianist exuberantly explores the relationship between the strings and piano, and would later borrow from them for his Piano Sonatas, Op. 2 (8550150).
With this recording the New Zealand Piano Quartet makes its Naxos début.
“The New Zealand Piano Quartet distinguished itself once again with a superb recital … and has quickly established itself as one of the country's pre-eminent chamber music ensembles…. Its members’ fine balance, obvious empathy, and enjoyment for the music produced rewarding performances with a programme of three piano quartets.” The Daily Post, Rotorua
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Quartet in C major, WoO 36, No. 3
I. Allegro vivace
II. Adagio con espressione
III. Rondo: Allegro
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Quartet in E flat major, WoO 36, No. 1
I. Adagio assai
II. Allegro con spirito
III. Theme and variations: Cantabile
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Quartet in D major, WoO 36, No. 2
I. Allegro moderato
II. Andante con moto
III. Rondo: Allegro
August 2009
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“These resourceful works by the 15-year-old Beethoven contain sufficient glimpses of his mature style to warrant the occasional airing. Good solid performances that manages to convey some of the music's boldness and charm.”
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I. Allegro vivace
