The Ariel Quartet presents a video performance of Beethoven’s String Quartet in C major, op.59 no.3, movement one. It marks the ensemble’s latest instalment in its trilogy of Beethoven string quartet recordings – the first volume of which was released in April 2025, with the second volume released on 7 November 2025.
The Ariel Quartet, comprising violinists Alexandra Kazovsky and Gershon Gerchikov, violist Jan Grüning and cellist Amit Even-Tov, has a long history with the Beethoven string quartets. The ensemble formed when its members were teenagers studying at the Jerusalem Academy Middle School of Music and Dance in Israel, and Beethoven’s String Quartet in C minor, op.18 no.4, was the very first piece the group tackled together.
The quartet recounts an early experience with Beethoven’s op. 59, the Razumovsky Quartets, which left a long-lasting impression.
’A memorable milestone in our personal journey with Beethoven was a concert at Frankfurt’s Kaisersaal during the 1999-2000 season, where we performed all three Razumovsky Quartets in a single evening.
’At 16, we approached the challenge with youthful excitement, and through countless hours in rehearsal we began to understand the depth and demands of this music – gradually developing not only the stamina, but the artistic maturity required to bring over two hours of this intricate music to life.
’Youthful enthusiasm (let’s be honest: fearlessness) alone allowed us to commit to the repertoire for this important concert without hesitation – and luckily, all went well.
’In hindsight, preparing this music for increasingly demanding opportunities played a crucial role in forging a confident and lasting relationship with this extraordinary canon.’
What’s the significance of filming this movement outdoors? The quartet says: ’The reason we chose to film these clips outdoors, surrounded by raw nature, was inspired by Beethoven’s own documented love of nature.
’During the years surrounding his increasing hearing loss, he was known to take long walks in the countryside, finding solace, inspiration and clarity there.’
The Ariel Quartet’s Complete Beethoven String Quartets Vol. 2 is released on 7 November on Orchid Classics. Volume 3 will follow in June 2026, with a special box set release in March 2027.
No comments yet