The Dorrit Ensemble - Shield: 6 String Quartets - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

William Shield rose from relatively humble beginnings to become the 'house' composer to Covent Garden, for which he wrote stage works full of panache and tunefulness. He met and befriended Haydn who was to prove a lasting influence. In 1782 Shield published his Six String Quartets, Op. 3, some of the most richly rewarding works of their type in 18th-century England. The transparency of parts, use of imitation, infusion of Sturm und Drang elements as well as the bucolic and folkloric writing, all demonstrate Shield's art, as does the progressive writing of the last of the six, in C minor. Album Tracks 1. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 1 in B flat major. I. Aria con variazione 2. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 1 in B flat major. II. Fuga Allegro con spirito 3. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 1 in B flat major. III. Rondo Allegro 4. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 2 in F major. I. Allegro moderato 5. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 2 in F major. II. Allegretto 6. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 3 in C major. I. Allegro moderato 7. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 3 in C major. II. Tempo di minuetto 8. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 4 in E flat major. I. Allegro 9. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 4 in E flat major. II. Adagio 10. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 4 in E flat major. III. Rondo Allegro 11. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 5 in D major. I. Allegro maestoso 12. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 5 in D major. II. Adagio 13. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 5 in D major. III. Rondo Allegro 14. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 6 in C minor. I. Allegro 15. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 6 in C minor. II. Adagio 16. Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 6 in C minor. III. Allegretto