Search - Dvorak, Waldmann, Vlach Quartet Prague :: String Quintets 2

Dvorak's Chamber Music: Lyricism and Power

M. C. Passarella | Lawrenceville, GA | 05/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As the other reviewer on this page mentions, the String Quintet Op. 77 adds a double bass to the mix, thus underscoring the Schubertian melodic contours of Dvorak's chamber music. (Of course, Schubert's Trout Quintet for piano features a double bass.) Op. 77 may lurk in the shadows of the more celebrated Op. 97, with its references to Native American dances, but Op. 77 is prime Dvorak from 1875. This was the breakout year for Dvorak the symphonist since it was the year of his first mature symphony, No. 5. That maturity translates into the chamber music as well; Dvorak was at last able to successfully meld Czech musical influences with the central European Romantic tradition represented by his benefactor Brahms. The Quintet is thus a big, bold statement in the manner of middle-period Brahms but with that special Schubertian lyrical emphasis that makes Dvorak so special. The Vlach Quartet and Jakob Druckman capture both the lyricism and the power, making this just about as fine a performance as you'll hear.



The Andante Appasionato is a string quartet fragment that's nice to hear as well but no real reason for celebration even among dedicated fans of Dvorak. However, Drobnosti (Miniatures) is a work of the fully mature Dvorak (from 1884, the year of the great Seventh Symphony) and very much worth knowing. Again, the performance is all that it should be, and Naxos provides fine sound throughout."

First-rate performances!

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 08/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The interpretative freshness of Antonin Dvorak's melodic vein is carved in relief with special earnestness in his chamber music.



From his String Trios, Trios for piano, Piano Quartets, String Quartets, but specially in his two String Quintets (op. 77 and Op. 97), where his musical genius blossoms with admirable intensity. They are featured by a haunting loveliness, good taste, sublime inspiration and domain of the form.



As a matter of fact, this is the field where Dvorak glitters with major luminosity, and similarly to Brahms, he is free to let it flow those admirable lyric moments filled of serene charm and vital expression.



It might be said without hesitation that Brahms and Dvorak literally not only grabbed the entire attention of countless hard lovers of this musical genre, but influenced at the same time the new emerging generations of musicians , thereby you may find traces of their influence in Grieg, Sibelius, Sinding, Busoni and even Max Reger.



To my view, these two notable works constitute one of the highest peaks of this beloved composer, much more venerated by his symphonic pieces or symphonic poems respect this still unknown genre.



These versions are not only extraordinary, but capture with pristine eloquence the lovely taste of the Bohemian folklore. Go for it without hesitation.

"

Another great one from Vlach quartet, Prague

G. Metcalf | United States | 10/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The quintet on this CD is different from Opp. 1 & 97 because it includes a bass. This gives it an occasionally thrilling depth of sound. As is typical of good Dvorak the tunes are memorable and easy to enjoy. This is very well recorded. Highly recommended."