Beethoven,L. / Jerusalem Quartet Jerusalem Quartet CD

Only now have I learnt how to write quartets properly." So wrote Beethoven in 1801, having just finished his first set of string quartets at the surprisingly advanced age of 30. The competition of Haydn and Mozart must have been intimidating for the young composer. Performed here by the Jerusalem Quartet, these six String Quartets Op.18 already display much boldness and originality, from the dramatic echoes of Romeo & Juliet in No.1, to the astonishing programmatic finale of No.6, "La Malinconia.

1. Allegro 2. Andante Con Moto 3. Allegro 4. Presto 5. Allegro Con Brio 6. Adagio Affettuoso Ed Appassionato 7. Scherzo. Allegro Molto - Trio 8. Allegro 9. Allegro 10. Adagio Cantabile 11. Scherzo 12. Allegro Molto, Quasi Presto 13. Allegro Ma Non Tanto 14. Andante Scherzoso Quasi Allegretto 15. Menuetto. Allegro - Trio 16. Allegretto 17. Allegro 18. Menuetto - Trio 19. Andante Cantabile 20. Allegro 21. Allegro Con Brio 22. Adagio Ma Non Troppo 23. Scherzo 24. La Malinconia - Allegretto Quasi Allegro