The Taneyev Quartet has rightly earned the reputation as one of the finest Russian string quartets from the latter half of the 20th century. This talented ensemble has made the Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Taneyev, and Shostakovich quartets its specialties. The Taneyev Quartet has made numerous recordings, mostly for the old Soviet-era Melodiya label.

The Taneyev Quartet was formed in 1946 by four second-year music students at the Leningrad Conservatory who after graduation became members of the Yevgeny Mravinsky-led Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, but it also managed to maintain a considerable schedule of quartet concerts.

Restrictions on the quartet’s travel were lifted in 1989, and the Taneyev players were allowed to concertize in Western Europe and the United States. It quickly developed an international reputation, not just from concert appearances but also from recordings of the complete sets of the Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Taneyev quartets.

In Estonia, the quartet is performing in its newest composition. All its members are students of former Taneyev quartet members, laureates of international competitions and members of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.

Programme:
Beethoven. String quartet No 8 E minor Op. 59/2
Shostakovich. String quartet No 7 F-sharp minor Op.108
Tchaikovsky. String quartet No 2 F Major Op. 22