The Ignaz Pleyel Quartett is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1991 in Vienna, Austria. The quartet is named after the famous composer and pianist Ignaz Pleyel, who was a contemporary of Mozart and Haydn. The founding members of the quartet were violinists Régis Pasquier and Roland Baldini, violist Gérard Caussé, and cellist Roland Pidoux. All four members were accomplished musicians with extensive experience performing in orchestras and chamber ensembles. The quartet quickly gained recognition for their exceptional musicianship and dynamic performances. They were invited to perform at major music festivals throughout Europe, including the Salzburg Festival, the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. One of the highlights of the quartet's early career was their performance at the 1994 Mozartwoche festival in Salzburg. They were invited to perform Mozart's complete string quartets over the course of several concerts, which was a rare and ambitious undertaking. The quartet received critical acclaim for their performances, with reviewers praising their technical precision and emotional depth. In addition to their performances of Mozart's string quartets, the Ignaz Pleyel Quartett has also become known for their interpretations of the works of Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert. They have recorded several albums of these composers' string quartets, which have been praised for their clarity, balance, and sensitivity. Over the years, the quartet has undergone some personnel changes. In 2002, violist Gérard Caussé left the group and was replaced by violist Léa Hennino. In 2010, cellist Roland Pidoux retired from the quartet and was replaced by cellist Jérôme Pernoo. Despite these changes, the Ignaz Pleyel Quartett has continued to thrive and maintain their reputation as one of the premier classical music ensembles in Europe. They have received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings, including the Diapason d'Or and the Choc de Classica. In addition to their performances and recordings, the quartet is also committed to music education and outreach. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops for young musicians throughout Europe, and have worked with organizations such as the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Orchestre des Jeunes de la Méditerranée. In conclusion, the Ignaz Pleyel Quartett is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant impact on the world of chamber music. With their exceptional musicianship, dynamic performances, and commitment to music education, they have become one of the most respected and beloved ensembles in Europe.

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