Borodin: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2

The Lark Quartet (Artist), Astrid Schween (Performer), Alexander Borodin (Composer), Daniel Chriss (Conductor), Jodi Howard (Conductor), Lark Quartet (Performer), Anna Kruger (Performer), Eva Gruesser (Performer), Jennifer Orchard (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Astrid Schween, Lark Quartet, Anna Kruger, Eva Gruesser, Jennifer Orchard
• Conductor: Daniel Chriss, Jodi Howard
• Composer: Alexander Borodin
• Audio CD (June 7, 2010)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Arabesque Recordings
• ASIN: B000000T8S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #447,788 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PASSION AND PROMISE FULFILLED, March 4, 2003

By 

Melvyn M. Sobel "Melvyn M. Sobel" (Freeport, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Borodin: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2 (Audio CD)

I'm often astounded by the unexpected, especially in well-worn music I am overly familiar with, when suddenly, as if out of the blue, I am knocked sideways by the epiphany a performance can bring.

The Lark Quartet's fervent and heartfelt rendition of the two Borodin string quartets is just such a serendipitous case in point.

In all my years of listening to these works, and in as many performances, I have never heard musicians clarify the dialogue between instruments so vividly. The emotional impact created when one actually hears this "conversation," seemingly for the first time, though hardly this, is affecting beyond words. The interpretive combination of Borodin's wonderful Slavic lyricism and the incredible voicing artistry of the Lark ensemble creates a fusion that propels the listener into revelation upon revelation. For once, the cello does actually speak, as does the viola--- both no longer subservient--- and the second violin, too, has its say. Suddenly, without warning, we hear it all, every note, and this incredible realization shakes us to the bone. Just as quickly, Borodin's instrumental writing becomes infinitely transparent, his fabulous unison harmonics thrill, and melody pours forth unfettered. It is a frisson that fills the heart with existential joy while, simultaneously, causes tears to flow.

What a phenomenal listening experience, and captured by engineering that is awesome in its truthfulness, nuanced detail and glowing warmth. I could not possibly praise the members of The Lark Quartet adequately enough for their exceptional talent and sensitivity, or for renewing, refreshing and elucidating these works as beautifully as they do here.

[Running time: 65:11]