The dorrit ensemble –

Shield: 6 string quartets

William Shield rose from relatively humble beginnings to become the 'house' composer to Covent Garden, for which he wrote stage works full of panache and tunefulness. He met and befriended Haydn who was to prove a lasting influence. In 1782 Shield published his Six String Quartets, Op. 3, some of the most richly rewarding works of their type in 18th-century England. The transparency of parts, use of imitation, infusion of Sturm und Drang elements as well as the bucolic and folkloric writing, all demonstrate Shield's art, as does the progressive writing of the last of the six, in C minor.

Country of Pressing	US
Artist	The Dorrit Ensemble
Released	2025
Music Genre	Classical
Label	NAXOS
Condition	New
UPC	747313444670
SKU	al-747313444670

1.1 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 1 in B flat major. I. Aria con variazione
1.2 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 1 in B flat major. II. Fuga: Allegro con spirito
1.3 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 1 in B flat major. III. Rondo: Allegro
1.4 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 2 in F major. I. Allegro moderato
1.5 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 2 in F major. II. Allegretto
1.6 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 3 in C major. I. Allegro moderato
1.7 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 3 in C major. II. Tempo di minuetto
1.8 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 4 in E flat major. I. Allegro
1.9 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 4 in E flat major. II. Adagio
1.10 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 4 in E flat major. III. Rondo: Allegro
1.11 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 5 in D major. I. Allegro maestoso
1.12 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 5 in D major. II. Adagio
1.13 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 5 in D major. III. Rondo: Allegro
1.14 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 6 in C minor. I. Allegro
1.15 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 6 in C minor. II. Adagio
1.16 Six String Quartets, Op. 3~No. 6 in C minor. III. Allegretto