Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The New Vienna String Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over four decades. The quartet was founded in 1978 in Vienna, Austria, by four young musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to create a unique sound that would set them apart from other ensembles. The founding members of the New Vienna String Quartet were violinists Günter Seifert and Gerhard Schulz, violist Siegfried Führlinger, and cellist Peter Götzel. All four musicians had studied at the Vienna Academy of Music and had already established themselves as accomplished soloists and chamber musicians before coming together to form the quartet. From the beginning, the New Vienna String Quartet was committed to exploring the full range of the string quartet repertoire, from the classical works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven to the contemporary compositions of the 20th century. They were also dedicated to developing their own unique sound, which was characterized by a rich, warm tone, impeccable intonation, and a deep emotional expressiveness. The quartet quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and their ability to bring new life to even the most familiar works. They made their debut performance in Vienna in 1979, and soon began touring extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Over the years, the New Vienna String Quartet has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Musikverein in Vienna. They have also collaborated with many of the world's leading musicians, including pianists Alfred Brendel and András Schiff, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. One of the highlights of the quartet's career was their performance of the complete Beethoven string quartet cycle at the Salzburg Festival in 1998. This was a monumental undertaking, as the cycle consists of 16 string quartets that span Beethoven's entire career. The New Vienna String Quartet's performances were hailed as a triumph, and they received widespread critical acclaim for their interpretation of these iconic works. The quartet has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout their career. In 1982, they were awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for their recording of the complete string quartets of Franz Schubert. They have also been awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art, and the City of Vienna Prize for Music. Despite changes in personnel over the years, the New Vienna String Quartet has remained committed to their original vision of creating a unique sound and exploring the full range of the string quartet repertoire. Today, the quartet is comprised of violinists Ernst Kovacic and Johannes Meissl, violist Helmut Sohler, and cellist Othmar Müller. The New Vienna String Quartet continues to perform regularly, both in Austria and around the world. They have also continued to record extensively, with over 30 albums to their name. Their recordings have been praised for their technical precision, emotional depth, and their ability to capture the essence of the music they perform. In conclusion, the New Vienna String Quartet is a truly exceptional ensemble that has made an indelible mark on the world of classical music.

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