Janácek: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2

Janácek: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2

composed by Leoš Janáček, 1854-1928; produced by Johann Nikolaus Matthes, fl. 1977; performed by Alban Berg Quartet (Warner Music, 2005), 44 mins

This is a sample. For full access:

Please choose from the following options to gain full access to this content

Log in via your academic institution

Details

Field of Interest
Classical Music
Composer
Leoš Janáček, 1854-1928
Content Type
Music recording
Duration
44 mins
Ensemble
Alban Berg Quartet
Format
Audio
Sub Genre
String Quartet
Label
Warner Music
UPC (Physical)
724355545725
Producer
Johann Nikolaus Matthes, fl. 1977
Date Recorded
1993
Release Date
2005-11-28
Review
Leos Janácek probably wrote the two weirdest string quartets in the standard repertoire. The first, the "Kreutzer Sonata," is based on Tolstoy's novelette of sexual jealousy and multiple murders, and the second, "Intimate Letters," is based on the composer's own passionate but plutonic affair with a much younger woman, and they are surely among the most powerfully expressive and frankly dramatic quartets ever written. Written in Janácek's typical obsessive-compulsive brand of rhythms, textures, and themes, the two quartets test any group's ability to get not only into the notes but beneath them. Though many quartets have recorded the works over the past 50 years, usually only the Czech or Slovak groups get the quartets' tone of barely controlled hysteria right. Most non-Czech or Slovak groups tend either to over or under do the hysteria, and the results are unappealing at best and appalling at worst.

The Melos Quartett of Stuttgart recorded both works for France's Harmonia Mundi label in 1991, and this 2008 HM Gold re-release is the same disc with different packaging. As performances, they are neither unappealing nor appalling, but neither do they quite get the tone right. The Stuttgart players have a big tone, a slashing attack, a ready grasp of form, a strong sense of tempo, and a tight but flexible ensemble, and it clearly has something to say about the music. But the rhythms here sound just a bit offbeat, the textures a tad too heavy, the tone a shade too raw, and while these are powerful performances, they are not altogether persuasive. Still, for their forceful playing and for Harmonia Mundi's close, hot digital sound, this disc is worth hearing by anyone who admires Janácek's quartets. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide
Subject
Classical Music, Music & Performing Arts, 20th Century, Siglo XX, Século XX, 20th century
Keywords and Translated Subjects
Siglo XX, Século XX

View my Options

Listen Now

Create an account and get 24 hours access for free.

Spaces are not allowed; punctuation is not allowed except for periods, hyphens, apostrophes, and underscores.
Please enter a valid e-mail address. All e-mails from the system will be sent to this address. The e-mail address is not made public and will only be used if you wish to receive a new password or wish to receive certain news or notifications by e-mail.
This email will be your username
This is the name displayed to others on any playlists or clips you share
×