Tchaikovsky / Rolston String Quartet - Souvenirs - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

A new string quartet's debut recording is always a memorable occasion. And muso is particularly proud to welcome into it's catalogue the David Oistrakh String Quartet, a young ensemble founded in 2012 by violinist Andrey Baranov, who won first prize at the Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition 75 years after the triumph of fellow Russian David Oistrakh. A case of history coming full circle! For their first album, these young soloists boldly launched head first into the vast repertoire of two of the greatest Russian composers Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. The two quartets performed here were composed almost a century apart. Tchaikovsky was at the height of his powers and had yet to write his most famous works when he composed his String Quartet No. 2. Throughout his life he was to refer to it as one of his best works, the music having Inchpoured effortlessly and joyfully, being written practically at one sitting.Inch Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8 was written in Dresden in 1960 and was dedicated Inchto the victims of fascism and war.Inch At the time he composed the piece, Shostakovich was going through a troubled period both in his personal life and in his relations with the Soviet authorities. The composer was so satisfied with this clearly autobiographical piece that he subsequently dedicated it to himself. The musicians of the David Oistrakh Quartet throw themselves body and soul into this incredibly poignant and intense music. Album Tracks 1. String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Op. 22 2. String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110 3. Two Pieces for String Quartet

Many Russian instrumental works of the 19th century were based on a programme, and the same holds true of Alexander Borodin's Second String Quartet. Here the underlying subject was the great love he felt for his wife Ekaterina. In 1877, the composer (who was also a doctor and a chemist) travelled to Heidelberg, where he had met her 16 years earlier. In letters he described to her how he was returning to the spots they had visited together, and added InchI would give anything to have you here at my side.Inch Borodin finished writing the D Major Quartet on a date that was likewise symbolic on August 10, 1881, their twentieth anniversary. Tchaikovsky managed to make ends meet by teaching, until his concert overture The Tempest (1873) drew widespread attention to his talent as a composer. In high spirits after that resounding success, Tchaikovsky euphorically wrote his Second String Quartet in the course of one night in January 1874. This work is even more elaborate and mature than the more well-known First String Quartet, with which he had attempted to supplement his meager professor's salary in 1871. He certainly had less trouble composing the Second Quartet InchI regard it as my best work; no other piece has poured forth from me so simply and easily. I wrote it almost in one sitting.Inch Album Tracks 1. Streichquartett NR. 2 D-Dur = String Quartet No. 2 in D Major 2. Streichquartett NR. 2 F-Dur = String Quartet No. 2 F Major, Op. 22

Tchaikovsky Serenade; Arensky String Quartet No.2 Tchaikovsky's Serenade is one of the most beautiful works ever written for string ensemble, and it has been frequently performed by Amsterdam Sinfonietta since it's establishment in 1988. Arensky wrote his String Quartet No.2 in memory of Tchaikovsky, with whom he was friends. Arensky's homage overflows with melancholy and dark tone colors. The middle movement, based on a song by Tchaikovsky, was later arranged by Arensky for string orchestra. Amsterdam Sinfonietta took upon itself to arrange and perform the entire quartet. In Tchaikovsky's footsteps, Arensky made use here of religious chant and motifs from Russian folk music. Album Tracks 1. Serenade for Strings Opus 48 in C Major 2. Chamber Symphony Opus 35 in a Minor. in Memory of P. I. Tchaikovsky. (After String Quartet No. 2)