Webern: Langsamer Satz, (slow movement), Op. post. (1905)

The Ruysdael Quartet was formed in 1996 and has recorded several CDs.

Tully Potter in the Strad in May wrote “Tchaikovsky’s First Quartet poses no problem to skilled musicians but even so, you are not likely to hear it much better played.”

The musical expression of German Romanticism is the theme of this disc. The trajectory of Schumann’s Konzertstück, Op. 86, written for four horns and orchestra, goes from heroism to introspection. Two of his Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13, were orchestrated by no less a figure than Tchaikovsky, while Albert Parlow orchestrated four of Brahms’ most exciting Hungarian Dances. Mendelsssohn’s Overture to his Ballad Opera Die Heimkehr aus der Fremde (Song and Stranger) embodies classical virtues. Anton Webern’s Langsamer Satz for string quartet has been vibrantly orchestrated by Gerard Schwarz. Hans Pfitzner, one of the last representatives of the movement, is represented by his concise, melodic Symphony in C major.

This is the second release on Capriccio by the Signum Quartett. After the success of their first recording, a disc of String Quartets by Ludwig Thuille (C5049), they return with Quartet Movements which have all found their way into concert schedules worldwide.

Featuring Quartet Movements by Anton von Webern, Hugo Wolf, Giocomo Puccini and Charles Ives amongst others, the Signum Quartett give dynamic and fresh performances.

The Cuarteto Quiroga has established itself as one of the most dynamic and unique quartets of its generation, receiving international acclaim.

The group takes its name from the Galician violinist Manuel Quiroga, one of the most outstanding players in Spanish music history.

Since its creation in 2004, Alfama quartet has made quite a breakthrough thanks to its subtlety, elegance and dynamism.

Selected by ProQuartet in 2006, these four young people work under the guidance of the Danel Quartet, and have worked with Walter Levin (LaSalle Quartet), Rainer Schmidt (Hagen Quartet), Heime Muller (Artemis Quartet) and Eberhard Feltz.

Even if they have already been recorded (a.o. for the Leo Brouwer Quintet with guitarist Denis Sung-Hô, FUG524), this is in reality their first great premiere: a sensitive and intelligent exploration of orphan pages of the quartet repertoire: gems signed by famous names ranging from Mendelssohn to Britten, via Tchaikovsky, Wolf, Sibelius, Rachmaninov, Schoenberg and Webern.

The Syzmanowski Quartet has chosen Vienna as the second stopping point in this new series. (The first was Paris on AVI8553158 ) The four works on this CD provide an exemplary overview of the Viennese musical tradition up to the beginning of the 20th century.

Trombone Attraction is a new and dynamic trombone quartet. In 2008 they won the International Competition for Brass in Passau. “ A truly refreshing way of playing music with the greatest of ease which is breathtaking!” Walter Voglmayr, principal trombone Vienna Symphonics. This diverse collection includes pieces by Paul McCartney, Debussy, Webern and Gabrieli.