Quartets for 2 violins and 2 cellos?

[Guido]

Do any exist? I know that there's the Arensky one for violin, viola and two cellos, but ideally I'd like to know of pieces for the above arrangement. There's a Vivaldi concerto for this quartet of soloists.

[sul G]

Apart from the obvious ones, you mean? Namely, Vadim Larchikov's Mystery I. The Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World, and Michael Matthew's    Ligatura - Message to György Kurtág. The latter is, of course, in reference to Kurtag's Ligatura - Message for Frances Marie Uitti, for 2 violins and 2 cellos (or the two bows of F-M U herself) + celesta. The latter is available on ECM, of course, and jolly it is too.

[SonicMan46]

Well, if you want to explore the 'gold mine' - check out the Boccherini Thread - 

[Guido]

I know that there are several cello quintets by Boccherini, but didn't know that he composed quartets with two violins and cellos. Must check that out.

Thanks Mr.G. I know the Kurtag piece well (not amongst my favourite of his pieces - it doesn't even begin to touch the magical quality of the Ives). I will have to check the others out! Cheers!

[SonicMan46]

I know that there are several cello quintets by Boccherini, but didn't know that he composed quartets with two violins and cellos. Must check that out.

Hello Guido - well, I probably typed too fast on my post, i.e. thinking of the Boccherini String Quintets, of course, many w/ two cellos; so, I was just checking out Luigi's catalog for four instruments HERE, and virtually all (over 100, if arrangements of other works are included!) are listed as two violins pour 2 violons and alto et violoncelle (alto being another name for the viola) - one would think that w/ his output that 2 cellos might have been used on occasion! Sorry for the mislead - 

[Guido]

Hello Guido - well, I probably typed too fast on my post, i.e. thinking of the Boccherini String Quintets, of course, many w/ two cellos; so, I was just checking out Luigi's catalog for four instruments HERE, and virtually all (over 100, if arrangements of other works are included!) are listed as two violins pour 2 violons and alto et violoncelle (alto being another name for the viola) - one would think that w/ his output that 2 cellos might have been used on occasion! Sorry for the mislead - 

Not to worry!

[Brian]

I know that there's the Arensky one for violin, viola and two cellos,

An absolute masterpiece, for what it's worth, and one of the most moving pieces of chamber music I know.

[Guido]

I've been meaning to hear it for ages. Can you recommend a recording?