The title of this release is officially "Five String Quartets." But it actually has six, as the fourth quartet is essentially a reworking of the second.
Emil Nikolaus von Reznicek's quartets have a complex history. It may hinder musicologists' work with Reznick's catalog. But it needn't detract from enjoying these works.
Reznicek continued to write in a form of the late Viennese Romantic tradition throughout his career. Though the quartets in this release span a half-century, their style remain remarkably consistent.
Reznicek's first quartet was a student work, completed in 1881. It's an uncomplicated quartet. Each movement is direct and to the point.
His second quartet was revised and expanded, becoming the String Quartet No. 4. The revision is quite close to the original. Reznicek changed the key from C sharp minor to d minor and added a fourth movement. Although published in 1921, it retains some of the simplicity of the 1881 original.
The third quartet, also from 1921 sounds like a more mature work. It and the two other quartets show Reznicek in top form. The themes have substantial depth and are more fully developed.
Reznicek's harmonies, though tonal, seem to stretch out more. In the process, they partially obscure the key centers, albeit temporarily.
They may have sounded a little old-fashioned in the late 1930s. But taken on their own merits, I think all five of these quartets show considerable skill and reward careful listening.
The Minguet Quartett delivers sympathetic performances. The ensemble has a warmth to it that suites Reznicek's style quite well. Plus they individually and collectively play with beautiful expression. And that, I think, is at the heart of Reznicek's late-Viennese style.
Emil Nikolaus von Reznicek: Five String Quartets
Minguet Quartett
CPO 555-002-2
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