Period

:

Classical

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Franz Schubert Quartett is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over three decades. The quartet was founded in Vienna, Austria in 1987, and has since become one of the most sought-after chamber music groups in the world. The founding members of the Franz Schubert Quartett were violinists Martin Chalupka and Rainer Schmidt, violist Herbert Kefer, and cellist Matthias Lingenfelder. All four musicians were graduates of the Vienna Conservatory, and had already established themselves as accomplished soloists and chamber musicians before coming together to form the quartet. The ensemble takes its name from the famous Austrian composer Franz Schubert, whose music has been a cornerstone of their repertoire since their inception. The quartet has also been known to perform works by other classical composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn, as well as contemporary composers like György Kurtág and Sofia Gubaidulina. The Franz Schubert Quartett has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. They have also been invited to perform at numerous music festivals, such as the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. One of the highlights of the Franz Schubert Quartett's career was their performance at the 1992 Salzburg Festival, where they played Schubert's String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, also known as "Death and the Maiden." The quartet's interpretation of the piece was widely praised for its emotional depth and technical precision, and it remains one of their most celebrated performances to this day. In addition to their live performances, the Franz Schubert Quartett has also released several critically acclaimed recordings. Their 1995 recording of Schubert's String Quartet No. 15 in G major won the prestigious Gramophone Award for Chamber Music, and their 2007 recording of Beethoven's String Quartets Op. 18 was nominated for a Grammy Award. Over the years, the Franz Schubert Quartett has undergone some changes in its lineup. In 2018, violist Herbert Kefer retired from the ensemble, and was replaced by violist Pauline Sachse. Despite this change, the quartet has continued to maintain its high standards of musical excellence, and remains one of the most respected chamber music groups in the world. In recognition of their contributions to the world of classical music, the Franz Schubert Quartett has received numerous awards and honors. In addition to their Gramophone and Grammy nominations, they have also been awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art, and the City of Vienna Prize for Music. In conclusion, the Franz Schubert Quartett is a world-class classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over three decades. With their deep understanding of the music of Franz Schubert and other classical composers, as well as their technical mastery and emotional depth, the quartet has established itself as one of the most respected and beloved chamber music groups in the world.

More....