Search - Jean Sibelius, Folke Grasbeck, Peter Lönnqvist :: Sibelius: Complete Piano Quartets

Delightful Early Sibelius

Ralphus | Goyang, Gynggi-Do Korea (South) | 12/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The works on this disc were all written by Sibelius when he was in his late teens or early twenties and were written for performance with his friends and family. This explains their unconventional scoring.



While they are all 'Piano Quartets', none of them is for the standard piano quartet as we know it (piano, violin, viola & cello).



- Quartet in D minor (1884): This charming piece is scored for piano, two violins and cello. At times it reminds me of either Haydn or Mendelssohn. If you enjoy the playful, bon vivant energy of a Haydn piano trio, you will surely enjoy this piece.



- 'Ljunga Wirginia' Quartet (Opera) for violin, cello and piano four hands (1885): Originally conceived as an opera scenario based on a story by Sibelius' friend, Walter von Konow, the libretto (if there ever was one) has been lost.



- Scherzo in E minor (1887): A delightfully vivacious 5 minute movement that may have been intended as part of the 'Ljunga Wirginia' opera (it has the same instrumentation).



- Andante cantabile in Eb Major (1887): A subdued piece for piano and harmonium with an atmospheric mood provided by the harmonium. Though it is not a quartet, the program notes explain that it is contemporaneous with the following G minor quartet. There's a hint of nostalgic sentimentality here. This is real 'salon' music. The sound of the harmonium puts you in a 19th century drawing room with the family gathered round listening to young Sibelius' latest creation.



- Quartet in G minor (1887): Scored for violin, cello, piano and harmonium, this piece is similar in mood to the previous Andante.



- Quartet in C minor (1891): A somewhat more serious work than the others featured on the disc, this quartet movement for piano, two violins and cello is also the only one that ISN'T a world premiere recording. There's some really interesting and mature writing here.



While none of these pieces of juvenilia will ever come close to matching the greatness, popularity or profundity of the Violin Concerto, the 2nd Symphony or the 'Voces Intimae' String Quartet, they are delightful and thoroughly enjoyable in an utterly undemanding way. This is before Sibelius found his distinctive 'voice' - before the nationalism, the pantheism, the Kalevala - and it adds little to his great genius other than reminding us that he was a precocious and talented young man - and this is indeed remarkably assured and enjoyable music.



Often discs of juvenilia such as this, are listened to once and then slotted away to be never heard again. This disc, however, is often in my player. It's perfect Sunday morning music - and I don't mean that in a diminishing way.



The sound quality is outstanding as are the performances from these musicians who were otherwise unknown to me. Bis has included very thorough and informative booklet notes that really help to place you in the world of a young Sibelius learning his craft. It even includes a drawing by the composer.



TT = a very generous 76'21"



Highly recommended to lovers of Sibelius, chamber music or anyone who wants the perfect soundtrack to a Sunday morning.



"