Watch: Altius Quartet Performs Music From Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 6

<p>(Photo: CPR)</p>

Here’s a spirited take on music by Ludwig van Beethoven from a promising young string quartet based in Boulder, recorded in the CPR Performance Studio.

The Altius Quartet spent the past few years in residence at the University of Colorado. The quartet capably highlights the shifting melodies and colors in this movement from Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 6, published in 1801.

Altius often strays from standard classical repertoire in a live setting. They've performed Beethoven alongside Gyorgy Ligeti’s more abrasive string quartets from the mid-20th century.

The quartet also plays arrangements of classic rock tracks like Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” as well as jazz, R&B and hip-hop tracks.

The group studies under the Takacs Quartet, one of the world’s most well regarded string quartets. Altius violinist Joshua Ulrich says his group’s sound has grown from the Takacs musicians’ coaching at CU.

“We’ve learned how to play with more character than ever before,” Ulrich tells CPR Classical.

Find upcoming performances from Altius Quartet and other Colorado classical musicians on our Events Calendar.

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