Zehetmair Quartett – Béla Bartók, Paul Hindemith (CD Album)

ECM New Series Audio CD 2007, ECM New Series 1874

Product Information

Key Details

• UPC: 028947657798
• Label: ECM New Series – ECM New Series 1874
• Format: CD, Album
• Country: Germany
• Release Date: March 30, 2007
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Modern
• Producer: Manfred Eicher
• Ensemble: Zehetmair Quartett

Credits & Personnel

• Composers:Design: Sascha Kleis
  • Tracks 1–5: Béla Bartók
  • Tracks 6–10: Paul Hindemith
• Recording Engineer (Tonmeister): Stephan Schellmann
• Liner Notes:
  • English: J. Bradford Robinson
  • German: Wolfgang Sandner
• Photography:
  • Booklet, Page 3: Hindemith-Institut
  • Booklet, Pages 21–23: Keith Pattison
  • Cover Photo: Thomas Philios
• Performers:
  • Violin: Kuba Jakowicz, Thomas Zehetmair
  • Viola: Ruth Killius
  • Violoncello: Ursula Smith

Overview

Experience a masterful blend of modern classical interpretations with the acclaimed Zehetmair Quartett on this ECM New Series release. The album features two distinct string quartet works: Béla Bartók’s innovative Streichquartett Nr. 5 and Paul Hindemith’s dynamic Streichquartett Nr. 4 Op. 22. Recorded with precision in Germany, this 2007 CD presents a rich and transparent sound quality characteristic of ECM’s renowned production style.

Béla Bartók’s work, known for its intricate textures and rhythmic vitality, is delivered with passion and precision. In contrast, Hindemith’s quartet offers a robust and energetic exploration of form and counterpoint, making this dual-program album an essential acquisition for lovers of modern chamber music.

Product Features

Format & Technical Details

• Audio Quality:
  • ECM's renowned production ensures a detailed, balanced sound in a pristine CD format.
• Interpretation:
  • The Zehetmair Quartett skillfully interprets both Bartók’s and Hindemith’s compositions, highlighting the characteristic modernist innovations and expressive depth of each work.
• Presentation:
  • The package features a thoughtfully designed booklet with detailed liner notes in both English and German, along with high-quality photographs showcasing the ensemble and production details.

Detailed Repertoire

• Béla Bartók – Streichquartett Nr. 5

  • A work marked by bold contrasts and inventive phrasing, presented in five movements:
  • 1. Allegro – 6:58
  • 2. Adagio Molto – 5:38
  • 3. Scherzo. Alla Bulgarese – 4:38
  • 4. Andante – 4:58
  • 5. Finale. Allegro Vivace – 6:37

• Paul Hindemith – Streichquartett Nr. 4 Op.22

  • A composition that demonstrates Hindemith’s mastery in fusing strict formal construction with lyrical expression, presented in five movements:
  • 6. I. Fugato. Sehr Langsame Viertel – 4:49
  • 7. II. Schnelle Achtel. Sehr Energisch, Presto – 4:25
  • 8. III. Ruhige Viertel. Stets Fließend – 6:35
  • 9. IV. Mäßig Schnelle Viertel – 1:58
  • 10. V. Rondo. Gemächlich Und Mit Grazie – 3:58

Interesting Facts

Musical & Historical Context

• Dual Composer Focus:
  • This CD juxtaposes two of the 20th century’s most influential composers, offering contrasting styles side by side: Bartók’s fusion of folk elements with modern harmony and Hindemith’s structured, innovative approach to chamber music.
• Performance Excellence:
  • The Zehetmair Quartett is celebrated for its precise and emotive performances, making this recording an exemplary model of modern chamber music interpretation.
• Production Value:
  • Produced by Manfred Eicher and engineered by Stephan Schellmann, the album reflects ECM’s commitment to sonic clarity and artistic presentation.
• Liner Notes and Artwork:
  • With insightful commentary by J. Bradford Robinson and Wolfgang Sandner, along with striking visuals by Sascha Kleis and others, the album provides a comprehensive context for these masterworks.

Track Listing

Béla Bartók – Streichquartett Nr. 5

1. Allegro – 6:58
2. Adagio Molto – 5:38
3. Scherzo. Alla Bulgarese – 4:38
4. Andante – 4:58
5. Finale. Allegro Vivace – 6:37

Paul Hindemith – Streichquartett Nr. 4 Op.22

1. I. Fugato. Sehr Langsame Viertel – 4:49
2. II. Schnelle Achtel. Sehr Energisch, Presto – 4:25
3. III. Ruhige Viertel. Stets Fließend – 6:35
4. IV. Mäßig Schnelle Viertel – 1:58
5. V. Rondo. Gemächlich Und Mit Grazie – 3:58

Publishers

This album is part of the ECM New Series and stands as a definitive statement in modern chamber music recording. With its polished production and finely detailed artistic presentation, it offers both seasoned classical music aficionados and new listeners a profound auditory experience. The collaboration between the Zehetmair Quartett, visionary producer Manfred Eicher, and ECM’s production team has created a recording that is both historically significant and aesthetically pleasing.

We value your feedback! Share your experience with this product to help others make informed decisions. Your review is important to us!

Hashtags

English:

#ZehetmairQuartett #BartokQuartet #HindemithQuartet #ECMNewSeries #ModernChamberMusic #ECM1874 #ChamberMasterpiece #ClassicalCD #20thCenturyMusic #VinylToCD

German (Címkék):

#ZehetmairQuartett #Bartok #Hindemith #ECMNewSeries #ModerneKammermusik #ECM1874 #KammermusikMeisterwerk #KlassikCD #20JahrhundertMusik