Photo: Auckland Philharmonia
A stunning live concert recording of two Beethoven masterpieces, performed by Auckland Philharmonia section principals: Concertmaster Andrew Beer, Minglun Liu (Violin), Robert Ashworth (Viola), and Ashley Brown (Cello). This "In Your Neighbourhood" performance, recorded at St Luke’s Church Remuera, captures the energetic brilliance and deep emotion of Beethoven's iconic chamber music.
The program begins with the witty and surprising String Quartet No. 6, Op. 18. The last of Beethoven's early quartets, this piece is known for its sudden stops, vigorous melodies, and dramatic shifts in mood. It culminates in the breathtaking finale, "La Malinconia," which contrasts profound, painful chords with a cheerful, spinning rondo.
Following this is Beethoven’s beloved String Quartet No. 10, Op. 74, famously nicknamed the "Harp" quartet. Listen for the prominent pizzicato (plucked) sections in the first movement that give the piece its name. This buoyant and good-natured work exhibits a lyrical adagio, a fast-paced scherzo, and a masterful finale of six inventive variations that build to a triumphant, rushing finish.
Recorded by RNZ Concert, St Luke's Remuera, 10 March 2025
Producer: Emre Ekici
Engineer: Adrian Hollay
