Sibelius chose to use two string quartets combined to add some extra layers into the work. In 1929, the composer’s niece, Riittaa Sibelius, got married, and requested Andante Festivo to be performed at the ceremony. He wanted more richness and majesty to seep through the glorious melodies in the work. It has been suggested that the sketches that Andante Festivo is based on came from some very early sketches for an oratorio.Īlthough the original string quartet version exhibits some unparalleled beauty in Sibelius’ writing, the composer was not satisfied enough with the outcome. Instead of the larger scale work that was requested, Sibelius decided to work with a small ensemble, and soon settled with a string quartet. Although Sibelius was very keen on chamber music in his youth, after around 1891, he began to completely neglect the genre, and only made some exceptions (for example his String Quartet in D minor ‘ Voces intimae’ – composed in 1909).ĭuring the run up to Christmas 1922, Walter Parvianien commissioned Sibelius to compose a festive cantata for the 25 year celebration of the Säynästsalo sawmills. The ideals and artistry of chamber music was often frowned upon by his tutor Martin Wegelius, and so Sibelius ended up keeping a lot of this music secret. Although now fondly remembered and respected for his orchestral music, Sibelius also composed many works for chamber groups, especially in his youth. For the purposes of references in this blog, I will be referring to the original string quartet version. Jean Sibelius: String Quartet in D minor, Op.Originally scored for string quartet in 1922, Sibelius’ poignant work Andante Festivo is also known for its re-orchestration for string orchestra and timpani. Bridge’s sound is lush, rich, and detailed.” - AllMusic (James Leonard) “A release as fully satisfying as some of the best quartet recordings ever made. Congratulations to all, especially for finding an apt way to present Ravel’s quartet without the obligatory pairing of the Debussy. “Bridge’s typically excellent sonics set the seal on a program that showcases both artists and repertoire to fine effect. A labor of love all around.” - Audiophile Audition “The group brings a hearty homogeneity of tone to the five-movement 1908 Intimate Voices Quaret of Jean Sibelius, the composer’s moody, introspective self-portrait after a bout with what might have easily become throat cancer. In the hands of such musicians, the future of chamber music looks sunshine bright.” Honored at the Library of Congress with giving the opening concert of the season, The Washington Post reported “such security, technical finish interpretive unity and sheer gusto, it sounded as if these young string players had somehow been performing these works together for a good 50 or 60 years.the Daedalus members were so at-one with their composers, we were happily caught off-guard by every emotional surprise they sprang.” On this recording the Daedalus performs masterworks by three of the early twentieth century’s greatest composers- Sibelius, Stravinsky and Ravel. The Toronto Star wrote about the quartet’s “combination of stylistic awareness, technical polish and sheer musicality. Grand Prize winner of the Banff International String Quartet Competition, the Daedalus was recently named by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center as the resident string quartet for Chamber Music Society Two for the 2005-07 seasons. This CD marks the debut recording of a remarkable young chamber ensemble- the Daedalus Quartet.
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