Description
This new release from DUX presents string quartets by Reinhold Glière (1875–1956), a Kyiv-born composer who was active in Russia and then in the Soviet Union. His output combines features of late-romantic music with characteristic Russian temperament and affection, French impressionism and folk music influences.
The painterly qualities and spontaneity of Glière's oeuvre perfectly fit into the classical form of the string quartet: Quartet No. 1 in A Major, Op. 2 dates back to the beginning of the century (1900) and sits within in the neo-romantic style, while the second, only 5 years younger, Quartet No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 20 (1905), is characterized by references to both Russian folklore and more distant, oriental moods.
The Glière Quartet, who have dedicated their activities to Reinhold Glière's music, consists of: Wladislaw Winokurow (violin), Dominika Falger (violin), Martin Edelmann (viola) and Endre F. Stankowsky (cello).
Critical Acclaim
"I know what really superb string playing sounds like and this is it…the G-Minor Quartet, in particular, sounds rhythmically quite tricky and technically difficult, yet the ensemble navigates it smoothly and without any compromises in tone quality, intonation, or togetherness." – Fanfare
"a wonderfully lush and rich palette which is very effectively caught on this recording by the excellent eponymous Glière String Quartet in the well engineered DUX sound. […] it has to be said the playing is passionate and full-toned – as well as virtuosic – in a manner that suits this music perfectly." – MusicWeb International