In the series of four string quartets that Ludwig van Beethoven began to compose a year after Joseph Haydn completed his Opus 76, the last and only minor quartet occupies a particular role. Although he described it as a »rechte[n] Dreck! suitable for the hall audience,« it was the only quartet in the series that he did not subsequently revise. Perhaps it was the deliberate simplicity that he disliked, but it was precisely the absence of the overly pretentious that earned the work rave reviews in its day.

Joseph Haydn, Claude Debussy or rather Jean Rivier? The choice is yours on 26 and 27 May! For »À la carte«, the Mandelring Quartet has selected nine groundbreaking works in string quartet history and represent critical works in their long history of success. In three ballots, you can choose between three works each. Mandelring violist Andreas Willwohl has compiled listening examples of the works for you to prepare. Pick your favorites and vote on May 26 or 27!