The fourth string quartet embodies that moment in Bartók's art in which the composer, surpassing the concentrated and retrospective third quartet, reaches a summit for the fi rst time and casts his gaze over the endless landscape expanding in front of him, taking in his kingdom with his own eyes. (György Kroó)

Universal Edition continues its new study score standard. These completely redesigned scores offer an unparalleled insight into the music of the last hundred years. Great care has been taken to select the best available content for this journey through music history, and every score has been edited according to the latest quality standards.