Doric String Quartet

The Doric String Quartet is one of the leading quartets of its generation, widely celebrated for its approaches to a wide range of repertoire and, as "The Observer" has noted, its 'warmth, finesse and exciting attack.'

The ensemble begins with Schumann's jovial String Quartet No. 3. which was penned in 1842 - a year in which the composer was preoccupied with 'constant quartet thoughts,' as he noted in his diary. This gives way to an exuberant early quartet by Beethoven, whose agile writing and deft handling of counterpoint make for an engaging listen. The Dorics end with Schubert's final quartet, written around the same as Beethoven was completing his own late string quartets. This is a substantial work with a wide range of dynamic contrast and texture. Lyrical ideas and structural ambiguity take precedence here over traditional harmony, with many facets of Schubert's musical personality brought to life in a vibrant juxtaposition.