Schumann String Quartet No. 1

Young Artist performance during the 2024 Taos Chamber Music Festival, presented by the Taos School of Music.

Roger Shao and Ashley Tsai, violins
Vincenzo Calcagno, viola
Nathan Francisco, cello

I. Introduzione. Andante espressivo - Allegro 0:00
II. Scherzo. Presto 9:37
III. Adagio 14:30
IV. Presto 20:40

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Schumann's String Quartet No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 41, No. 1, is a piece filled with both elegance and intensity, composed during his prolific chamber music year of 1842. Inspired by his admiration for the quartets of Beethoven and Mozart, Schumann infused this work with his own lyrical voice and Romantic spirit. Musicians must navigate swift mood shifts, from brooding melancholy to spirited exuberance, creating a slew of emotions that deeply resonate with listeners. This piece invites both performers and audiences into a heartfelt dialogue, rich in nuance and passion.