Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Schneiderhan 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 1987 by four talented musicians, all of whom were former members of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. The founding members of the ensemble were Wolfgang Schneiderhan (violin), Gerhard Hetzel (violin), Norbert Brainin (viola), and Wolfgang Boettcher (cello). Wolfgang Schneiderhan, the leader of the quartet, was a highly respected violinist who had previously served as the concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Gerhard Hetzel, the second violinist, was also a renowned musician who had won several international competitions. Norbert Brainin, the violist, was a founding member of the Amadeus Quartet, one of the most celebrated string quartets of the 20th century. Wolfgang Boettcher, the cellist, was a former principal cellist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. The quartet's name pays tribute to its founder, Wolfgang Schneiderhan, who passed away in 2002. The ensemble has continued to perform under the same name, with new members joining over the years. The current members of the Schneiderhan Quartett are Andreas Reiner (violin), Christian Altenburger (violin), Hariolf Schlichtig (viola), and Claudius Herrmann (cello). The Schneiderhan Quartett has performed extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, earning critical acclaim for their exceptional musicianship and interpretive skills. The quartet has collaborated with some of the world's most renowned musicians, including pianist Martha Argerich, cellist Mischa Maisky, and violinist Gidon Kremer. One of the highlights of the Schneiderhan Quartett's career was their performance at the Salzburg Festival in 1991. The quartet was invited to perform Beethoven's complete string quartets over the course of two weeks, a feat that is rarely attempted by any ensemble. The Schneiderhan Quartett's performances were hailed as a triumph, with critics praising their technical precision and emotional depth. The quartet has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout their career. In 1992, they were awarded the prestigious Echo Klassik award for their recording of Schubert's String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, "Death and the Maiden." The quartet has also been awarded the Bavarian State Prize for Music and the German Record Critics' Award. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Schneiderhan Quartett is also committed to music education and outreach. The quartet has conducted masterclasses and workshops for young musicians in Germany and abroad, and has also performed in schools and community centers to introduce classical music to new audiences. Overall, the Schneiderhan Quartett is a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication to one's craft. Their exceptional musicianship and commitment to excellence have earned them a place among the most celebrated string quartets of our time.

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