Quartetto Italiano

Renowned Italian String Quartet

Quartetto Italiano was a renowned string quartet founded in Reggio Emilia, Italy, in 1945. The group quickly gained international fame for their refined style, technical excellence, and deep musicality. The original members were Paolo Borciani (first violin), Elisa Pegreffi (second violin), Piero Farulli (viola), and Franco Rossi (cello). They were particularly celebrated for their interpretations of Beethoven's string quartets, which remain benchmarks for these works. Throughout their career, Quartetto Italiano performed in major concert halls around the world and recorded extensively, leaving behind a legacy that is still admired by chamber music enthusiasts today. Their discography includes the complete cycles of Beethoven, Mozart, and Brahms' string quartets, among others. The ensemble disbanded in 1980 after 35 years of performance, following the decision that they could not find a suitable replacement for Borciani upon his retirement.