Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Artis 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 1980 in Vienna, Austria, by four young musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The founding members of the ensemble were Peter Schuhmayer (violin), Johannes Meissl (violin), Herbert Kefer (viola), and Othmar Müller (cello). The Artis Quartett quickly gained recognition for their outstanding musicianship and unique interpretation of classical music. They were invited to perform at various prestigious music festivals and concert halls across Europe, including the Salzburg Festival, the Vienna Musikverein, and the Berlin Philharmonic. The quartet's reputation continued to grow, and they soon became one of the most sought-after chamber music ensembles in the world. Over the years, the Artis Quartett has undergone some changes in its lineup. In 1995, Thomas Kakuska replaced Herbert Kefer as the quartet's violist. Sadly, Kakuska passed away in 2005, and he was succeeded by Sebastian Gürtler. Despite these changes, the quartet's commitment to excellence and their passion for music has remained unchanged. The Artis Quartett has an extensive repertoire that spans from the classical period to contemporary music. They have recorded numerous albums, including works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and Bartók. Their recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including the Diapason d'Or and the Gramophone Award. One of the highlights of the Artis Quartett's career was their performance of Beethoven's complete string quartets at the Vienna Musikverein in 1997. This was a monumental undertaking, as Beethoven's string quartets are considered some of the most challenging and complex works in the chamber music repertoire. The quartet's performance was a resounding success, and it cemented their reputation as one of the finest chamber music ensembles in the world. Another notable performance by the Artis Quartett was their collaboration with the legendary pianist Alfred Brendel. The quartet and Brendel performed Schubert's "Trout" Quintet, which is one of the most beloved works in the chamber music repertoire. The performance was recorded and released on CD, and it received widespread critical acclaim. The Artis Quartett has also been recognized for their contributions to the world of music. In 2003, they were awarded the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, which is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon an artist in Austria. The quartet has also been appointed as professors at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, where they teach the next generation of chamber musicians. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Artis Quartett is also known for their commitment to promoting chamber music to a wider audience. They have participated in numerous outreach programs and educational initiatives, including workshops and masterclasses for young musicians. The quartet believes that music has the power to bring people together and to inspire creativity and innovation. In conclusion, the Artis Quartett is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over three decades.

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