Genre

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Chamber

 

The Schoenberg Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that was founded in 1976 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The quartet is named after the famous Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg, who is known for his contributions to the development of atonal and twelve-tone music. The founding members of the Schoenberg Quartet were Janneke van der Meer (violin), Wim de Jong (violin), Henk Guittart (viola), and Viola de Hoog (cello). All four members were graduates of the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam and had previously played together in various chamber music groups. The quartet quickly gained recognition for their exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. They were known for their interpretations of contemporary music, particularly the works of Schoenberg and other composers associated with the Second Viennese School. However, they also performed a wide range of classical repertoire, from Haydn and Mozart to Bartók and Shostakovich. One of the highlights of the Schoenberg Quartet's early career was their performance at the 1978 Holland Festival, where they premiered a new work by Dutch composer Louis Andriessen. The quartet also collaborated with Andriessen on several other projects, including his opera "De Materie" and his piece "Hoketus." Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Schoenberg Quartet continued to perform extensively throughout Europe and the United States. They were regular guests at major music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Tanglewood Music Festival. In addition to their live performances, the Schoenberg Quartet also recorded extensively. They released over 50 albums, including complete cycles of the string quartets of Beethoven, Schubert, and Bartók. They also recorded works by contemporary composers such as John Adams, György Ligeti, and Steve Reich. The Schoenberg Quartet's commitment to contemporary music was recognized with several awards and honors. In 1991, they were awarded the Dutch Music Prize, the highest honor for a musician in the Netherlands. They were also awarded the Edison Classical Music Award several times for their recordings. In 2009, after over 30 years of performing together, the Schoenberg Quartet announced that they would be disbanding. Their final concert was held in Amsterdam on May 22, 2010, and was attended by many of their fans and colleagues. The legacy of the Schoenberg Quartet lives on through their extensive discography and the many musicians they inspired. Their commitment to contemporary music and innovative programming continues to influence the world of classical music today.

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