Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart :: Mozart: 5 String Quintets

This is the first release in any format of these live performances dating from 1964 to 1967. These historic recordings continue a series of releases of memorable performances given by the Juilliard Quartet at the Library of Congress. The Juilliard String Quartet was formed in 1946 and were appointed Quartet in Residence by the Juilliard School's president, William Schumann. The genesis of these concerts is found in the generous philanthropy of Mrs. Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge and Mrs. Gertrude Clarke Whittall. In 1924 Mrs. Coolidge provided funding to the Library of Congress for the construction of an auditorium, and for establishing a foundation for the purpose of acquiring manuscripts, commissioning works, and organizing festivals. Twelve years later, Mrs. Whittall donated five Stradivarius instruments. Her stipulation was that the instruments were only to be used by string quartets performing at the Library of Congress. Eventually the Library decided to set up a permanent string quartet in residence, which has been the Juilliard String Quartet since 1962.