Search - Bax, Jackson, Maggini Quartet :: String Quartet 3 / Lyrical Interlude / Adagio

The music is mostly for the devout Baxian, but the performan

G.D. | Norway | 02/17/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Magginis are something of what one might call Naxos stars, having given us a series of outstanding performances of British chamber music. Indeed, it almost sounds as if Naxos, aware of what they have, gives them more preparation time and puts more effort into sound engineering than they do for some of their other artists (I have no evidence to back this up, but it certainly sounds like it's the case). At least they prove to be encouraging advocates of the Bax quartets, and even though the music is in no way on the level of his best orchestral works, there is much to savor here given performances like these. Sound quality is, as indicated, superb as well.



Flowery scents and sights replace the chilliness of the second quartet in the third - apart from the feverishly energetic Scherzo and trio. It is no masterpiece, but possibly the best of Bax's quartets. The Lyrical Interlude is a Dvorakian lighter work and the Cathaleen-movement sounds more convincing in its orchestral version - although Maggini's utterly fabulous playing almost makes up for what it lacks in atmosphere. This might not be a disc that will appeal to the general public, but I am quite certain committed Baxians will be eminently satisfied."