Robert FUCHS
Complete String Quartets Vol. 1 (Op 58 & 62)
Minguett String
Quartet
Musikproduktuion
Dabringhaus und Grimm MDG 603 1001-2 [58 mins]
Crotchet
The best reason to buy this would be if you are a collector of string quartets;
the Minguett String Quartet based in Cologne is a fine group and these
works of 1895 & 1899 are sympathetically recorded here in an ideal acoustical
setting. Their CV study pedigree is impeccable - the Lasalle/Amadeus/Alban
Berg Quartets have helped them on their way.
It obviously makes sense to try to make your mark with neglected repertoire
and Robert Fuchs (1847-1927), who was 'protected and supported' by
Brahms, as was Dvorak, will have sounded a promising choice. But Fuchs is
no Dvorak. He was a professor of composition in Vienna, became embroiled
in a pension dispute when a new director wanted to replace him with
Schönberg 'who inspires his pupils in the liveliest fashion' - in the
event he was succeeded by Schreker. He outlived his circle and finished isolated
and marginalised.
Fuchs' music is euphonious - genial but unremarkable. Their main recommendation
is their unfamiliarity, and that is not to be despised in these times when
the canon rules. There are smaller movements in these quartets which would
make good encore pieces for recitals of standard repertory; members of music
clubs on the circuit might then be tempted to ask to hear the whole works
for a change from the 'canon' of masterworks, and would enjoy them. But
anti-modernism, firmly rooted tonality, does not have to be so predictable;
c.f. the quartets of Franz Schmidt
(Nimbus
NI 5467) which are tonal but wholly original and whose revival
is so well deserved.
Whether the 2nd Volume of this integrale is really demanded,
purchase figures will determine.
Peter Grahame Woolf
