String Quartet A minor Op.29 D 804 (Rosamunde) & Quartet Movement C minor D 703 (Quartettsatz)

Schubert String Quartet in A minor Op.29 D 804 (Rosamunde) & Quartet Movement in C minor D 703 (Quartettsatz) (Parts)

Chronologically close as the two quartets in this volume are, they are nevertheless worlds apart, considering their genesis and sources.  They both reflect Schubert’s stormy development in the years 1820 to 1824.  The earlier quartet, D 703, has come down to us in the form of an autograph score, written in a hesitant hand and extending only to the middle of the second movement.  It typifies Schubert’s struggle with creative problems during those years; moreover, he had written no string quartets since 1816. 

The later work, the Quartet in A minor D 804, composed in February and March 1824, was practically tailor-made for Ignaz Schuppanzigh’s quartet, a unique ensemble whose superiority was undisputed throughout the 1820’s.  These musicians, who had become very critical and exacting through their familiarity with Beethoven’s works, were so enthusiastic about the quartet that they decided to give it its first public performance immediately. The premiere took place on 14 March 1824 in the chamber music cycle they had revived the previous summer.  This was truly exceptional publicity for Schubert’s instrumental music, reinforced by the fact that the work was published in a set of parts in September of that same year.

- Urtext of the New Schubert Edition

- Parts (BA5614) and study score format 22.5 x 16.5cm (TP304) available for sale