New Orford String Quartet: Music of Schubert and Beethoven
BRIDGE 9363
In spite of sharing the same city streets during the same epoch and making acquaintances with many of the same people, Schubert and Beethoven never had any direct contact. By the time Schubert was beginning his musical career, Beethoven was almost completely deaf, and because of this, increasingly shut off from society. The two masterful quartets on this disc were composed in the same year, 1826; in the same city, Vienna. They are performed here by the superb New Orford String Quartet. Forty-five years ago a new Canadian string quartet was formed at the Jeunesses-Musicales du Canada (today the Orford Arts Centre). Through its many recordings and tours both at home and abroad, the Orford String Quartet became one of Canada's best-known and most illustrious musical ensembles. After 26 years and more than 2000 concerts on six continents, the Quartet disbanded, giving its last concert on July 28, 1991. In July 2009 the New Orford String Quartet arose from the fame and tradition of its glorious predecessor, giving its first concert for a sold-out audience at the Orford Arts Centre. This disc marks the New Orford's debut recording.
Reviews:
“The New Orford String Quartet’s playing of the Schubert and Beethoven final quartets is notable for its perfection of intonation, superb tone quality, and unsurpassed clarity of musical line, while offering ensemble playing of the finest quality.” - Fanfare
“This premiere recording by the New Orford Quartet displays the kind of heightened sensitivity and concentrated attention that allows heart to speak to heart. These are profoundly moving performances.” - CRISIS
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Franz Schubert
String Quartet No. 15 in G Major, D. 887, Op. 161
Ludwig Van Beethoven
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135
New Orford String Quartet
Jonathan Crow, violin
Andrew Wan, violin
Eric Nowlin, viola
Brian Manker, cello
BRIDGE 9363
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