Despite its progressive and innovative musical aesthetic, Claude Debussy's only string quartet is very traditionally conceived and structured like a classical-romantic string quartet. Although stylistically very reminiscent of earlier French masters around César Franck, Debussy goes far beyond this: he combines a wide variety of elements, such as Gregorian church tones, music of the Sinti and Roma, or building blocks of the Russian school, creating a novel musical structure that seems circular rather than purposeful.

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!