Bartók: String Quartets Nos. 2, 4, 6
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BELA BARTOK
Bartók: String Quartets Nos. 2, 4, 6
Jerusalem Quartet
[ Harmonia Mundi / CD ]
Release Date: Thursday 1 December 2016
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The string quartets of Béla Bartók punctuate the evolution of his style and the turning points of his existence. From the Second Quartet (1915-17) reflecting the period of World War One and his troubled personal life, through the Fourth whose exploration of rhythm, tonality and timbre produces magnificent and unprecedented sonorities in its 'night music', to the unbearable anguish of the Sixth (1939), as his dream of fraternity was shattered against the rise of nationalism and fascism, the Jerusa lem Quartet's programme brings us the essence of Bartók's genius. Expect reviews in Classical music press for these hm artists with an extensive, acclaimed back catalogue for the label.
"To judge from the first disc of its new recorded Bartók set, with the even-numbered quartets, the group's account will not displace the Takács but promises to be in its league. The second quartet receives the most convincing rendition, especially the dizzying fluidity in the dancing rhythms of Arabian folk dance in the second movement." Washington Post
"these are civilised, outward-looking readings, placing the music firmly in the Classical-Romantic tradition, and there are plenty of listeners who'll respond warmly to playing of such sincerity and beauty" Gramophone
"The Jerusalem players open Bartók's Second Quartet with a passionate account of the first movement, knitting its disparate elements into a satisfying whole, imbued with warmth and featuring some beautiful high keening from cellist Kyril Zlotnikov…the first movement of the Fourth Quartet snaps away splendidly, with some wonderful muscular glissandos…these are fine performances, shot through with beauty" The Strad
"Predictably there is some fine playing here, with details in these intricately complex pieces emerging with remarkable clarity … what stands out from the Jerusalem Quartet's interpretations, quite apart from their technical accomplishment, is their warmth: with these players, Bartok is never in danger of sounding merely aggressive." BBC Music
Tracks:
String Quartet No. 2, Sz 67 (Op. 17)
String Quartet No. 4, Sz 91
String Quartet No. 6, Sz 114
