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Anton​í​n Dvo​ř​á​k: String Quartets No. 10 "Slavonic" & No. 13

by Prazak Quartet

supported by
Damon & Lynn Pritchett
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1.
String Quartet No. 10 in E Flat Major, Op. 51, B. 92 "Slavonic" I. Allegro ma non troppo 11:09
2.
String Quartet No. 10 in E Flat Major, Op. 51, B. 92 "Slavonic" II. Dumka (elegia): Andante con moto - Vivace 07:15
3.
String Quartet No. 10 in E Flat Major, Op. 51, B. 92 "Slavonic" III. Romanza: andante con moto 07:09
4.
String Quartet No. 10 in E Flat Major, Op. 51, B. 92 "Slavonic" IV. Finale. Allegro assai 07:05
5.
String Quartet No. 13 in G Major, Op. 106, B. 192 I. Allegro moderato 09:36
6.
String Quartet No. 13 in G Major, Op. 106, B. 192 II. Adagio ma non troppo 10:30
7.
String Quartet No. 13 in G Major, Op. 106, B. 192 III. Molto vivace 06:25
8.
String Quartet No. 13 in G Major, Op. 106, B. 192 IV. Finale: Andante sostenuto - Allegro con fuoco 10:47

about

In September 1878, Becker commissioned Dvorák to write a string quartet of a ‘Slavonic character’. The manuscript was completed on 28 March 1879 and it was first played in Berlin by the Joachim Quartet on 29 July. This Quartet in E flat major, Op. 51 follows the traditional scheme of four movements and an ample sonata form opening Allegro. The richness of the melodic writing in his movement cause the two main themes to sound like an artful abstract of folk melodies, entirely invented. The Andante is in the form of a stylised dumka, intimate, and investing this rondo in two parts with its Slavonic tints. It is in turn a meditation, a romantic ballad and a duo between the viola and the violins. The second theme is like a lullaby before two abrupt accelerations changing it into an exuberant ‘furiant’. The short Romanza gives a splenetic sentiment without bitterness. The Finale exploits the skipping, stamping rhythm of the ‘skočna’ that sweeps the sixteen strings of the quartet into a miniature dance band. The Quartet in G major, Op. 106 was first played by Dvořák’s friends, the Bohemian Quartet on 10 October 1896. Also in four movements, this 13th Quartet begins with an allegro moderato in which a sumptuous first theme is stated by the two violins, while a second, lyrical, pastoral and more Brahmsian theme gives the work great architectural unity, typical of the fully mature writing of Dvorák who, from now on, has no cause to be envious of his great model. These two themes are developed by the four instruments in full voice, the rosy mellowness of the viola enriching the hues of this grandiose movement. The Adagio ma non troppo is one of the finest examples of a monothematic construction in all of Dvořák’s musical literature. Stated by the cello, the theme is then developed entirely by means of contrasts and modulations into E flat minor, F sharp minor and back into C major. The recapitulation introduces a final appassionato of an exceptional lyrical effusiveness. The Scherzo brings a respite, even if its incisive 3/4 rhythm revives a discourse in which the two Trios are rather like a foresight of those by Bruckner and by Suk. The Andante sostenuto finale is a play on contrasts of rhythm and tempo, allegro con fuoco passages alternating with calmer andantes and leisurely, singing molto cantabiles. In a great explosion of rhythms, the coda takes up the initial theme in 2/4 time.

Awards: Choc by Le Monde de la Musique, Diapason d’Or, ffff by Télérama, Recommended by Classica, Recommended by Répertoire, Audiophile Audition

"At the end of their magnificent cycle devoted to the quartets of Dvořák’s prime, the musicians of the Pražák Quartet, the leading current representatives of the grand Central European style, subjugate once again with the vigour and forthrightness of their intention, their sense of rhythm and phrasing, their generous yet subtle dynamic palette. Never, perhaps, have the Quartets sounded like this!" (Le Monde de la Musique, October 2004)

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released January 1, 1996

Pražák Quartet (Ensemble)

Recorded in Prague, April 23-25 (Op.106), June 16-21 (Op.51) 1996

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The Pražák Quartet, one of today´s leading string quartets, was founded in 1972 by students at the Prague Conservatory.

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