Search - George Whitefield Chadwick, Paul Ross, Julia Adams :: String Quartet for 4

Great music and a reasonable performance

JJM Peters | Nijmegen, The Netherlands | 07/29/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Now this album came as a real surprise! I had never heard of G.W. Chadwick in my life, but came across this disc by chance. And since it cost next to nothing and I'm always eager to learn new string quartets I didn't think twice and bought the record.
After I listened to these quartets I started checking if it was just me or if Chadwick is truly one of the most undeservedly neglected American composers. Well, it appeared not to be just me. Chadwick, who was one of the most important forming influences in American musical history, is nowadays considered obsolete and hopelessly romantic. In my view that last characteristic makes him all the more worthwhile! Sure, Chadwick has clearly been educated in classical models by his German teacher Rheinberger (another neglected romantic). But Chadwick, although he mostly adhered to classical forms, did more. He was the first one (indeed, he was ahead of Dvorak in this respect!) to write music in a distinctly American vein, thereby essentially setting the tone of American music for all his pupils (which he had many, as teacher at the New England conservatory).His 4rth string quartet is a great example of the way Chadwick wrote his "American" music. Admittedly, the influence of Dvorak's American quartet is not to be overlooked, but still Chadwick has his distinctly own sound. The opening movement, after a slow introduction with (surprise!) a solo viola, continuous headlong into an exciting Allegro in half time. The staccato, fugal first subject is in contrast with the cantabile second subject marked tranquillo. The movement ends in a rushing 3/4 presto. Although the style is not as lean as Dvorak's, it's much more straightforward. The second movement is a beautiful, songful Andantino with ample possibilities for all the instruments to show their lyrical side. In this movement (indeed, in this whole quartet) Chadwick shows himself to be acutely aware of the possibilities and strengths of the various instruments (an ability of which Dvorak was sometimes lacking). The movement end with a beautiful flageolet melody with pizzicato accompaniment. The third movement (arguably the most "American") is a fast, rhythmic, dance-like movement with a slow middle part providing the cello with yet another chance at a soaring melody. The last movement is a sturdy Allegro, consisting of a theme with variations. Chadwick develops his theme in a very simple yet elegant way. Again, the main theme is interrupted by a Lento espressivo solo for first violin and cello, after which the final variation of the theme is presented as a quick fuga, resulting in a breathtaking Presto rush to the final chords.The 5th quartet is less exuberant that the fourth and is more serious of tone. Still, it's a beautiful work, starting with a flowing Allegro moderato that starts rather darkly but ends, after a beautifully wistful second theme, much more optimistic than it starts. The second movement is again built around solo passages for all instrument (with a particularly grateful cello part). The third movement is a much gentler piece than the rough dance from the 4th quartet. It's a much more subtle Presto, with quite a lot of effect writing (like very fast staccato sounds). The two slower interjections provide great solos for viola (Dvorak eat your heart out!) and cello. Surprisingly, the movement ends in a serenely tranquil, slow way. The final movement is againd characterized by jumpy rhythms and rather full (almost orchestral) writing.The playing by the Portland string quartet is overall fine. It's not the most subtle recording, but that may also be due to the "Natural Sound Recording" that gives a sound as if one is sitting in the best seat in a hall. And as with real performances in a hall, here and there you can find a glitch (notably in the cello solo's! shame!). But, since this is the only recording of the 5th quartet around, these are only small drawbacks! Highly recomended!"

Great String Quartets

Guenter Fiebig | Eckental, Germany | 01/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I am not a particular connoisseur of string quartets, I have made the experience that this kind of music can be more intensive and expressive than sinfonic compositions. The span between dramatic sections and lyrical ones in the recordings on this CD is so tremendous that they make exciting listening for any lover of classical music.



I enjoyed Chadwick's string quartets very much and can truly recommend this CD."