Robert
FUCHS (1847-1927)
Complete String Quartets, Volume 2: C, Op. 71; A, Op. 106.
Minguet String Quartet
Dabringhaus und Grimm MDG603
1002-2 [63.54] [DDD]
Crotchet
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This release came as a happy and unexpected surprise. Fuchs achieved success
early in his life with his orchestral serenades. He taught harmony at the
Vienna Conservatory (teaching as a professor in 1886). Upon retirement, he
was succeeded by Franz Schreker. Towards the end of his life he was (musically)
overtaken by new musical developments and faded into the background of obscurity.
The String Quartet No. 3, Op. 71 was published in Vienna in 1903. It breathes
the fresh, open air of C major and is notable for the inner intensity of
its slow movement and the pure charm of its second movement. Only the opening
Allegro molto moderato e grazioso perhaps suffers from a tendency
to meander and as such appears over-long.
The Op. 106 quartet (in the 'happy' key of A major) brings a more complete
experience. It feels integrated and once again the slow movement (here
Andante sostenuto) is emotive and touching, with a particularly tender
close.
The Miguet String Quartet is an extremely well-balanced ensemble, blessed
with a very warm sound entirely suited to this repertoire and faithfully
reproduced by Dabringhaus und Grimm's excellent recording. The quartet's
fierce commitment brings with it the bonus of youth and the excitement of
fresh discovery.
Volume 1 is available on MDG603 1001-2.
Colin Clarke
