Eybler Quartet - Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartets, Op. 18 Nos 1-3

Opus 18 needs little introduction as Beethoven�s supremely confident first step in total mastery of the Classical String Quartet. From the opening bars of Quartet No. 1 which bristle with curiosity and possibility to the wit and humour of Quartet No. 2 and the supressed energy and teasing harmonic uncertainty of Quartet No. 3, Opus 18 represents Beethoven�s only quartet contribution during his �first period� and provides the listener with a tantalising glimpse of the extraordinary music that was to follow. The Eybler Quartet came together in 2004 to explore the works of the first century-and-a-half ofthe string quartet and plays on instruments appropriate to the period of the music it performs. The Toronto-based ensemble�s live performances have consistently garnered praise as 'glowing and committed', 'spirited' and 'lively and energizing'. The Eybler Quartet harnesses a unique combination of talents and skills: razor-sharp ensemble skills, technical prowess,