A quartet renowned for Shostakovich turns its attention to his compatriot
The Strad Issue: April 2025
Description: A quartet renowned for Shostakovich turns its attention to his compatriot
Musicians: Danel Quartet
Works: Prokofiev: String Quartets nos.1 and 2; Visions fugitives (arr. Samsonov (1994)
Catalogue number: ACCENTUS ACC30640
Prokofiev’s two string quartets have been relatively neglected, certainly in comparison with those by Shostakovich. Yet they are indubitably fine works and carefully constructed, with a directness of expression. The First Quartet (1930) boasts dense textures and edgy sounds, spiced by some piquant dissonances. Textures are highly varied, Prokofiev utilising a wide instrumental range and some unconventional string effects that suggest the influence of Bartók.
Beethoven also looms large in the tightly knit contrapuntal writing and formidably tricky passagework. Despite its complex technical and interpretative challenges, the Danel Quartet, served by an excellent recording, achieves a remarkable textural transparency and cohesiveness, taking the first movement briskly and eliciting an exhilarating and raw impact.
A more obvious folk element defines the Second Quartet of 1941, although there are moments of edgy harmonic timbres, which are at times reminiscent of Stravinsky’s Petrushka. Once again, the Danel delivers immaculate and persuasive renditions that devotedly follow the letter of the score.
Visions fugitives, arranged for quartet by Sergei Samsonov, are vividly depicted cameos; they exhibit a bewildering compositional range in mood and style, and again show Prokofiev flexing his compositional muscles in terms of modernism and texture. The original piano invention transfers very naturally to the four string voices, well served by the strong characterisation and sheer technical aplomb of these performers.
JOANNE TALBOT
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