More Lovely Playing by the Vlach Quartet
Patrick A Daley | Fredericton, New Brunswick | 08/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Vlach Quartet of Prague has recorded a number of wonderful performances of Dvorák's music for string quartet on the Naxos label. They seem to have the measure of the music and the performances are superb. As well, the quality of the recordings, done in the Martinek Studio in Prague, is excellent.The present recording includes not only a quartet but a trio. The quartet, no. 9, Op. 34, was composed in 1877 and revised two years later. The first movement, Allegro, is lovely and sensuous, which could be said of most of Dvorák's chamber music. The second movement, equally well played, has a lilting rhythm which is quite infectious. The third movment, an Adagio, is hauntingly beautiful. The final Poco Allegro sometimes has a kind of semi-fugal quality not usual in Dvorák. It is hard to characterize the Vlach Quartets playing here, because one feels they are simply playing the music as the composer wanted; but in fact, this takes enormous skill and art.The Terzetto in C Major, Op. 74, does not use the cello, but is scored for two violins and a viola. It was originally composed with an amateur violinist in mind, but proved to difficult for him. The first movement starts out slowly but soon speeds up. It is not the most profound music, but is inventive and quite lovely. The Larghetto is another very beautiful Dvorák slow movement, played with great skill. The scherzo has some infectious rhythms, including some plucked strings, alternated with slower passages which allow the players to demonstrate their precision and flawless intonation. The final movment, Tema con variazione: Poco adagio-Molto allegro, is again very lovely. It allows the players to show off a little of their virtuousity. This is quite a fun performance.As with others in the series, the performances are first class. A very nice disc."
Lesser known Dvorák chamber music, beautifully played
klavierspiel | TX, USA | 06/18/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dvorák's "American" Quartet in F major, Op. 96, dominates the mainstream chamber music repertory to such an extent that, at least in the U.S., most of the composer's other works for strings are neglected. This Naxos disc pairs two; they not only are united by their relative unfamiliarity but also by their strong points, which are the inner movements of both. The Quartet in D minor's second movement is an amiable Polka, while the Terzetto's third movement is a lilting Furiant, utilizing the distinctive hemiola patterns of the dance, with a lyrical Trio. The slow movements of both works are likewise Dvorák at his loveliest. If the pieces come off unfavorably compared to the composer's better-known chamber music it is in their outer movements; the first Allegro of the Quartet is rambling and not as melodious as one expects from Dvorák, while the "Introduzione" of the Terzetto is too lightweight even for its relatively short length. The dull variation finale of the latter is likewise something of a letdown. Nevertheless, the best moments make this a recording well worth hearing, especially since the Vlach Quartet plays with near flawless unanimity of style and pitch. This is another one of Naxos' many bargain gems that showcase unfamiliar corners of the repertory."
Excellent music in committed performances
G.D. | Norway | 04/17/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is another important issue in the Vlach quartet's cycle of the Dvorak quartets, especially so since neither of these two near-masterpieces are at all well-known. The quartet has the air of sorrow (over the death of the composer's daughter), but it is by no means tragic. It has more like a tinge of shadows and melancholy cast over the masterful manipulation of themes and textures. The performance is good, if not perfectly able to bring out all the subtleties in a very clear manner. At the price, though, this is certainly strongly recommendable.
The Terzetto is a splendid work, where Dvorak ingeniously exploits the possibilities (rather than the restrictions) presented by the easily overbright combination of two violins and viola. It is, in short, an utterly attractive and delightful work, and the members of the Vlach quartet, if a tad flat-footed, gives us an eminently lively performance. Sound quality is generally very good, and I can safely recommend this disc to anyone."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1