Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Kuijken 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 1976 by four siblings: Sigiswald Kuijken (violin), Wieland Kuijken (viola da gamba), Barthold Kuijken (flute), and Marie Kuijken (violin). The quartet is based in Belgium and has gained international recognition for their unique approach to classical music. The Kuijken siblings were born into a musical family in Belgium. Their father was a conductor and their mother was a singer, so music was a significant part of their upbringing. The siblings began playing music at a young age and received formal training at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Sigiswald and Wieland Kuijken were particularly interested in early music and began exploring the Baroque repertoire. They formed the ensemble La Petite Bande in 1972, which became one of the leading Baroque orchestras in Europe. In 1976, the Kuijken siblings decided to form a string quartet. They were joined by Marie Kuijken, who had also studied at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. The quartet was named after the Kuijken family and began performing together in Belgium and other parts of Europe. The quartet quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and unique approach to classical music. One of the highlights of the Kuijken String Quartet's career was their performance at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1978. The quartet received critical acclaim for their performance of Mozart's String Quartet No. 19 in C Major, K. 465, also known as the "Dissonance" quartet. The quartet's interpretation of the piece was praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. The performance helped to establish the Kuijken String Quartet as one of the leading ensembles in the classical music world. Over the years, the Kuijken String Quartet has performed at major venues and festivals around the world, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Wigmore Hall in London, and the Lincoln Center in New York. They have also collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians, including pianist Robert Levin and cellist Anner Bylsma. In addition to their performances, the Kuijken String Quartet has also recorded extensively. They have released over 50 recordings, including complete cycles of the string quartets of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. Their recordings have received numerous awards and accolades, including the Grand Prix du Disque and the Diapason d'Or. One of the unique aspects of the Kuijken String Quartet's approach to classical music is their use of period instruments. The quartet plays on instruments that are similar to those used during the time when the music was composed. This allows them to recreate the sound and style of the music as it was originally intended. The quartet's use of period instruments has been praised for its authenticity and historical accuracy. The Kuijken String Quartet has also been recognized for their contributions to the field of early music. In 2011, they were awarded the prestigious Edison Classical Music Award for their lifetime achievement in early music. The award recognized the quartet's pioneering work in the field and their dedication to preserving and promoting the music of the Baroque and Classical periods.

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