Tchalik Quartet: Lyatoshinsky, Ravel

The Strad Issue: October 2024

Description: A refreshing dive into the quartet byways by these Paris-based siblings

Musicians: Tchalik Quartet

Works: Lyatoshinsky: String Quartet no.2 op.4; String Quartet no.3 op.21 ‘Suite’. Ravel: String Quartet

Catalogue number: ALKONOST CLASSIC ALK009

Following its cross-section of Boris Tishchenko’s string quartet oeuvre, which I welcomed in the July 2023 issue, the Paris-based Tchalik Quartet couples Ravel’s quartet with two by Ukrainian composer Boris Lyatoshinsky (1895-1968). Written in the 1920s, they constitute a fascinating mix of Slavic and Western elements. In no.2, a main theme redolent of Borodin’s orientalising fairy tales is followed by a tormented second subject reminiscent of the Second Viennese School. After a pentatonically tinted slow movement with Dvořákian echoes, the scherzo in 5/4 seems to reference Ravel’s quartet, while the finale includes some flawlessly crafted fugatos. Lyatoshinsky’s five-movement Third Quartet might at first appear to be more loosely built but it also bears witness to the composer’s faultless craftsmanship.

Both in the Lyatoshinsky pieces and in the much more crowded field of Ravel recordings, the Tchalik makes its mark with unshakeable aplomb and uncannily unanimous musicianship. The musicians all play matched instruments by Philippe Mitéran, and without a score it can be hard to tell when the melodic lines pass between them. This is music making characterised by a keen ear for voicing and some breathtaking pianissimos. As with its predecessor, the booklet has been lovingly produced and features contemporary artwork by Ukrainian cubo-futurist painter Alexandra Exter.

CARLOS MARÍA SOLARE