This 2-CD album presents the complete published string quartets and quintets of Carl Nielsen, performed by the Kontra Quartet with additional players for the quintets. It offers a compelling journey through Nielsen’s early and mature chamber music, revealing his development from youthful inspiration to personal, expressive depth.
Included are the four official string quartets:
F minor, Op. 5
G minor, Op. 13
E-flat major, Op. 14
F major, Op. 44
These works span from the late 1880s to 1906 and reflect Nielsen's evolution from classical models toward his own unique musical voice. Highlights include the lyrical and dramatic G minor quartet and the witty, Mozartian F major, written during the time of his opera Maskarade.
Also featured are two string quintets:
The early G major Quintet (1888), fresh and vigorous, though later forgotten by the composer
The mournful Andante Lamentoso (1910), composed in memory of a young artist
Performed with stylistic precision and insight, this recording is notable for using corrected parts based on Nielsen’s manuscripts, ensuring a faithful and vivid representation of his chamber music legacy.
Extra material for download
