'The ensemble works wonders with Verdi. The ensemble's gushing counterpoint, silky timbres and contrasting tempos exalt the vitality of this repertoire and are totally captivating.'
Classica
Streichquartett der Staatskapelle Berlin
Streichquartett der Staatskapelle Berlin
String Quartet
The four string section leaders of the Staatskapelle Berlin achieve a remarkable fusion of the great orchestral tradition and the intimate world of chamber music.
Genre
Classical
Biography
Violinists Wolfram Brandl and Krzysztof Specjal, violist Yulia Deyneka and cellist Claudius Popp first performed together as a quartet in 2017, presenting a series of concerts with the complete Schubert quartets in Berlin’s new Pierre Boulez Saal. The idea to form a permanent string quartet came from Staatskapelle’s musical director Daniel Barenboim.
The group’s chamber music partners have included Frans Helmerson, Christiane Karg, Jörg Widmann, Mojca Erdmann and Elisabeth Leonskaja. With Daniel Barenboim, they appeared in the popular concert broadcast on WQXR in New York. During the Covid lockdown in 2020, Barenboim and the quartet also performed Schubert’s Piano Quintet as part of Deutsche Grammophon’s ‘Moment Musical’ streaming series..
The group’s repertoire includes music in a broad range of styles, including contemporary works. The four musicians have performed on many of the world’s most famous stages, such as Wigmore Hall in London, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris and Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid.
Reviews
'This appears to be their first recording, and it is, by any reasonable standard, a success ... The recording was made in the new Pierre Boulez Saal and is exemplary.'
Fanfare
'Two rarely heard Italian works for string quartet distinguish this release.'
American Record Guide
'An attractive programme, well presented and recorded.'
Diapason
