Composer: Antonín Dvořák
Performer: Vogler Quartett
Number of Discs: 2
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: CPO
Catalogue: 7776262
Release: 2019
Size: 794 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
CD 01
String Quartet No. 8 in E major, Op. 80
01. I. Allegro
02. II. Andante con moto
03. III. Allegro scherzando
04. IV. Finale. Allegro con brio
String Quartet No. 6 in A minor, Op. 12
05. I. Allegro ma non troppo
06. II. Poco allegro
07. III. Poco adagio
08. IV. Allegro molto
CD 02
String Quartet No. 3 in D major
01. I. Allegro con brio
02. II. Andantino
03. III. Allegro energico
04. IV. Finale. Allegretto
The Vogler Quartet Interprets Dvorák, Vol. 3. Individuality developed and revealed in ensemble performance – herein surely lies the secret of the Vogler Quartet, which has pursued a unique career with an unchanged membership ever since 1985. FonoForum wrote of Vol. 1 of our complete edition featuring all of Dvorák’s quartets, “The Vogler Quartet seeks rich sonority, sharp rhythmic contouring, and warm, earthy colors. In every respect a successful beginning for this complete edition.” Vol. 3 of our edition by these highly acclaimed interpreters, which also includes the String Quintet and Piano Quintet, presents more quartets by Dvorák. His Quartet No. 3 in D major, over sixty minutes in duration, ranks as what is surely one of the most extensive string quartets in the entire literature.
The fact that he composed it immediately around the time of the premiere of Wagner’s Meistersinger no doubt also contributed to the work’s expansive dimensions. Dvorák’s String Quartet in E major composed in 1876 belongs to his middle compositional period, during which he did a great deal of experimenting with form and harmony. The slow movement may already be interpreted as a forerunner of later dumka movements. The Ukrainian word dumka – as a Pan-Slavist Dvorák in no way was influenced merely by the folklore of his native country – can be derived from dumatj (“to think”) and means as much as “contemplative melody.” This folk ballad in which songs and dance melodies are linked together is not bound to a particular form. Exciting listening!