The Doric String Quartet are noted for their elegance and intimacy.
Having performed cycles of Haydn, Mendelssohn, Britten and Bartók at famous venues around the world, including Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Vienna Konzerthaus and Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, they have now turned their attention to Beethoven, embarking on a recording project for Chandos, culminating in 2026–27 with the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death.
Beethoven’s Op 132 is one of the darkest and most soul-searching works from his late period. It is famous for its slow movement which is a holy thanksgiving for his recovery after a serious illness, composed in an older tonality and language than Beethoven normally used. The last movement brings the piece to an ecstatic and lyrical end.
Haydn’s quartet is also richly inventive and exploratory and part of his first unprecedently great sets of string quartets. Britten’s short and brilliant early Divertimenti are delightful and very accessible character pieces - a March, a Waltz and a wild Burlesque.
Programme
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) String Quartet in D major, op. 20 no. 4
i) Allegro di molto
ii) Un poco adagio affettuoso
iii) Minuet (Allegretto alla zingarese) – Trio
iv) Presto e scherzando
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) Three Divertimenti
i) March
ii) Waltz
iii) Burlesque
Interval
Ludwig van Beethoven (1170-1827) String Quartet in A minor, op. 132
i) Assai sostenuto – Allegro
ii) Allegro ma non tanto
iii) Heiliger Dankgesang eines Genesenen an die Gottheit, in der Lydischen Tonart : Molto adagio – Andante
iv) Alla marcia, assai vivace – Allegro appassionato
