Fabulous FSQ tackles Beethoven cycle brilliantly
Quartets have always been intrigued by the challenges posed in playing the complete Beethoven quartet cycle.
The 16 quartets he wrote, along with the "Grosse Fuge," are a milestone in the genre and quite representative of his development as a composer — the early op. 18 set of six quartets are grounded in the classical period, yet point the way toward romanticism; the final five quartets (op. 127, 130, 131, 132 and 135) open a new path in terms of style, harmonic language and thematic development that clearly leads to the 20th century.
And in between are the quartets from his middle period (op. 59, 74 and 95) that are as musically inventive and rich as anything one finds in Beethoven's oeuvre.
All of these works present difficulties, even when taken individually. But when they're taken as a whole, they bring with them an entirely new set of challenges. They certainly test the mettle and stamina of the players, as well as their interpretative and technical skills.
And yet, ensembles are drawn to these works like bees to pollen. Quartets feed off the challenges posed in performing them in a multiconcert cycle. One needs only to look at all the recordings of the complete set to see how vital it is to a quartet to do them as a body. That's been the case for generations of quartets, and it will continue to fascinate ensembles for generations to come.
It's rare in a place like Utah to be able to hear the complete set — normally one would have to travel to a major metropolitan area for that, so it's extremely fortunate that the FSQ is here, and that they are such a highly talented and virtuosic ensemble that they not only are up to undertaking such an immense project, but that they also can achieve such a high level of artistry and brilliance to make this a remarkable and memorable experience.
There is absolutely no doubt that the FSQ possesses the technique, musicality, artistry, virtuosity and, yes, the physical fortitude to see the project through. They are a fabulous foursome. Each brings something unique to the table, yet their individuality meshes wonderfully together — they quite literally sound as one instrument. And as they more than adequately proved last weekend, they have mastered the art of quartet playing. With this Beethoven cycle, they have arrived. The FSQ is now a quartet to be reckoned with.
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