Compositions that are less frequently performed need to be explored further. Such is the case with this music:
Verdi and Dvorak: String Quartets
Dvorak:
String Quartet No. 10 in E flat major, Op. 51 (B92)
Performed by Yura Lee (violin), Katharine Gowers (violin), Florian Donderer (viola), Frans Helmerson (cello)
Verdi:
String Quartet in E minor
Performed by Christian Tetzlaff (violin), Florian Donderer (violin), Hartmut Rohde (viola), Maximilian Hornung (cello)
Today we have the privilege of counting these masterpieces among the crown jewels of the late 1800’s.
In 1873, Verdi wrote a string quartet – the only work of chamber music in his entire output. It was intended to serve as a pastime during a long stay in Naples. Only later did he make clear to the world that he was not indifferent to this work’s quality.
Six years later, Dvořák wrote his 10th String Quartet. Thus, this CD juxtaposes the Romantic styles of Central Europe and the Mediterranean.
Here is the Verdi string quartet:
