Takacs hit the Schubert spot
REVIEW - TAKACS QUARTET
Death & The Maiden
SCHUBERT’S Death and the Maiden quartet is one of the most popular in the genre, recorded by all of the leading ensembles over the years
In my opinion, the most crucial aspect of the work is the opening. The quartet has to grab the attention with the first chord and the recurring poignant melody. It sets the tone for the entire work.
In a new recording by the Takacs Quartet, one of the world’s leading quartets and whose reputation can only be enhanced by this record, the opening bars of this magical Schubert quartet are urgent, crisp and heart-rending.
The quartet has a delightful timbre, poise and the recurring theme echoes delicately throughout the first movement allegro.
The interplay between the musicians – with Edward Dusinberre on first violin, Karoly Schranz on second violin, Geraldine Walter on viola and Andras Fejer on cello – is first class; when each one carries the melody the instrument is allowed to sing. Their performance in the manic final Presto movement is worth hearing alone it is so good. It remains a piece of devastating melancholy and sadness, it is impossible not to be moved by the yearning melody.
I have frequently heard the Death and the Maiden quartet accompanied by Schubert’s single movement Quartettsatz but here the Takacs play Quartet number 13 in A Minor, called the Rosamunde. It complements the Death and the Maiden excellently; it too was written towards the end of Schubert’s tragically short life and is a stirring piece.
The production values are also worth a mention. The two quartets were recorded at St George’s Church, in Bristol, and the sound quality is second to none.
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