On the cover of this RCA Red
Seal release from their Classic Library Series it states, “a
stellar string quartet reaches new heights in two sublime and
songful works from a composer of boundless
melody.” It is hard to disagree with these sentiments on these
string quartets which are undoubtedly Schubert masterworks.
These performances from the word famous Tokyo String Quartet,
recorded in 1987 and 1989 received generous critical acclaim
when first released.
Only one of Schubert’s last
four string quartets was published in his lifetime. Composed
in the shadow of a fatal illness the brooding String
Quartet No. 13 in A minor Op. 29/1, D804 from 1824 also
happens to be one of the greatest ever written. Known as the
‘Rosamunde’ the work reuses themes from the incidental music
to the unsuccessful play. These serve throughout as a reflection
of pained memories of happier times. The Tokyo Quartet confidently
and with considerable empathy bring out the suffused melancholy
in the score. The remarkable and sublimely emotional second
movement Andante is played with sensitivity and poetry; an intensely moving
experience. Having heard this performance I can fully understand
how music writer H.L. Mencken considered that this music was
the proof he needed for the existence of God.
Composed in 1826 the celebrated
String Quartet No. 14
in D minor ‘Death and the Maiden’ D810 is a fierce work
with death at its heart. The title ‘Death
and the Maiden’ stems from the theme and variations of a
song which appears in the Andante. This is a splendidly sumptuous
interpretation. The short third movement is especially finely
played; most refined with natural expression. Despite the vigour
of the Scherzo the
tragic overtones of the Andante
are readily apparent particularly in the Trio.
It is hard to fault these recordings
from the RCA Red Seal back catalogue. The performances throughout
have great style and considerable refinement. The competition
is extremely fierce; nonetheless these performances can stand
shoulder to shoulder with the best. However in both works have
my own preferred version. In the String Quartet No. 13 in A minor ‘Rosamunde’ I favour the version on period instruments from the eminent
Quatuor Mosaïques on Auvidis Astrée E 8580 for its very
special playing where the personality of each member comes across
most compellingly. In the String
Quartet No. 14 in D minor ‘Death and the Maiden’ I look
no further than the Italian Quartet on Philips 446 163-2 - a
recording remarkable for its sheer technical excellence and
impressive imagination.
This RCA Red Seal would not
be my first choice yet offers a fine coupling that will not
disappoint.
Michael Cookson
Tokyo String Quartet