Opus13 Debut Album Features Mendelssohn and Grieg

The string quartet Opus13 has released their debut album on Alpha Classics, featuring a selection of works by Felix Mendelssohn and Edvard Grieg. This recording marks a significant milestone for the ensemble, which has garnered attention as current BBC New Generation Artists and as winners of prestigious competitions, including the Wigmore Hall String Quartet competition and the Bordeaux string quartet competition. The album opens with Mendelssohn's String Quartet Op. 13, No. 2, the piece after which the quartet named themselves. Formed in Oslo in 2014 when its members were teenagers, Opus13's rendition of this work is described as assured and distinctive. The quartet's performance of the Mendelssohn quartet's brief, soulful introduction is noted for its tension, leading into a fast-paced allegro where occasional violin swoops enhance the sense of urgency. The ensemble's interpretation of the slow movement highlights an intense warmth, drawing parallels to the great adagios of Ludwig van Beethoven, to whom Mendelssohn's compositional style in this work shows a clear influence. The album then transitions to Grieg's String Quartet No. 1, a piece characterized by its repetitive motifs. Opus13's handling of these repetitions is praised for creating momentum rather than monotony. The second movement, which hints at a folksy style, fully blossoms in the third movement, imbued with a Nordic fiddle quality that is both exuberant and elegant. As an encore, the quartet performs a characterful rendition of Grieg's 'Solveig's Song.' Notably, the arrangement of this encore piece is credited collectively to the entire Opus13 group, reflecting their collaborative approach. The quartet's formation in 2014 as teenagers in Oslo underscores their early dedication to chamber music. Their selection of Mendelssohn's Op. 13, No. 2 as their namesake piece signifies its importance in their musical journey. The album's release on Alpha Classics, a label known for its classical music recordings, positions Opus13 within the contemporary classical music landscape. The ensemble's prior accolades, such as winning the Wigmore Hall String Quartet competition, provide a strong foundation for this debut recording, indicating a high level of technical proficiency and artistic maturity. The review emphasizes the quartet's ability to convey both the urgency and the warmth inherent in the chosen repertoire, suggesting a nuanced understanding of the composers' intentions. The collective arrangement of the encore piece further illustrates the collaborative spirit and shared musical vision of Opus13.