Search - Sergei Prokofiev, Russian String Quartet :: Prokofiev: String Quartets Op 50 & 92: Quintet Op 39

Prokofiev's Quartets and Quintet

Amy | 10/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Prokofiev rarely turned to chamber music for his means of musical expression. He was far more at home either with the orchestra or at his own instrument, the piano. When he did compose chamber music, he did so with purpose and tremendous skill. The works on this cd are brilliantly and thoughtfully played throughout and show the mind of a master who had a unique sense of harmony, but also a most profound and original means of creating beautiful melodies while never losing his infamous wit, sarcasm and playfulness. The two string quartets are amazing. They rank with my two very favorite works in the genre. They are played to perfection, and each repeated listening brings some new twist of creativity that I hadn't noticed before. The Russian quartet is rhythmically precise without being mechanical and produces a gorgeous tone without ever being boring, and manages to find every smile and wink in these delightful works. The Overture on Hebrew Themes is a brief work that pays homage to Klezmer music with its decidedly Jewish overtones. It is charming and splendidly performed. The standout gem on the cd is the quintet. Prokofiev creates a splendid little suite of miniatures that are all too brief but packed with delightful invention. This is some of the best chamber ensemble playing that I have heard. The first time I heard this cd I was immediately captivated by the skill and sensitivity with which these musicians perform.



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