Henryk Gorecki - String Quartets/Sonata For Two Violins

Saturday 1st October 1994
Henryk Gorecki - String Quartets/Sonata For Two Violins

STYLE: Classical
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 19185-
LABEL: Olympia 375
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by John Irvine

This is the second recording to be made of Gorecki's "String Quartets" and despite the fact that the pieces were written for the group who originally recorded them - the Kronos Quartet -without doubt this is probably a superior version, with the Silesian String Quartet more than serious challengers to the Kronos Quartet. The "String Quartets" are a different kind of music to that typified by Gorecki's famous and overplayed "Third Symphony": the music is more vigorous and dynamic, but shares common roots in an affirmation of Polish culture and countryside and in the Roman Catholic Church from where Gorecki derives much of his inspiration. The "First Quartet" was written during Advent 1988 and is based on a 16th century Polish hymn. It is full of relentless energy and powerful chords. The "Second Quartet" is a more dark and sombre piece punctuated by sharp military-like intrusions and hints of folky-type music. It is best regarded as a 'tone poem' containing many different phrases. In this recording there is a passion, a commitment and an excitement which is a joy to hear. However, the sound quality of the recording has a few problems, particularly in the choice of recording location. A cavernous acoustic (lots of reverberation) enhances the performance of the Sonata, but in places it becomes too intrusive during the quartets. A minor point, perhaps. Otherwise a flawless performance and recording and a definitive 'must' for acquisition.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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