Dvorak: String Quintets Op. 1 & 97

Antonin Dvorak (Artist), Ladislav Kyselak (Artist), Vlach Quartet (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 15, 2001)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B000050WO8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,789 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

These two quintets make an interesting pair. Dvorák wrote Op. 1 when he was 20; the seeds of greatness to come are clearly discernible in its passionate romantic ardor and simple, lovely melodies. However, the piece tends to ramble, and he had yet to find his own distinctive voice. There are echoes of Mendelssohn, Schubert, and Schumann, and an almost direct quote from Mozart's G-minor Piano Quartet. The piece was premiered 17 years after Dvorák's death and published a century after his birth.

The other quintet here, one of his consummate masterpieces, was written more than three decades later in Spillville, Iowa, an enclave of Czech immigrants where Dvorák spent summer holidays during his stay in America. Like all the composer's so-called American pieces, it seems to reflect homesickness rather than any New World influences. While the early quintet starts with a slow introduction, the opening here merely feels slower; hesitant and questioning, like a curtain drawn gradually to reveal a scene basking in mellow sunlight. The Scherzo is a lively dance with a lyrical Trio, the Finale is vigorous and exuberant. But the work's jewel is its slow movement, a set of inspired variations on a theme of incomparable, heart-melting beauty. The writing is masterly; as usual, Dvorák makes the violas, his own instrument, especially prominent.

The playing is excellent. The Quartet, joined here by violist Kyselák Ladislav, is literally the inheritor of the great Czech tradition: Josef Vlach, leader of the famous Vlach Quartet, is the first violinist's father and mentor to the younger players. Dvorák's music is as natural to them as their native tongue. Tempi are sensible, rhythmic liberties poised, textures rich but transparent. The tone is warm, vibrant, and expressive. They prize spontaneity and immediacy of expression over perfection. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid performances of one masterpiece and a surprisingly attractive rarity, July 15, 2010

By 

G.D. (Norway) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Dvorak: String Quintets Op. 1 & 97 (Audio CD)

The Vlach quartet has given us a very fine series of Dvorak quartets for Naxos, but the two discs that comprise their series of string quintets might, on the whole, be even more valuable. The early op.1 quintet is very rarely heard, and it might on the whole lack the melodic distinction of Dvorak's later music, but it is still a very rewarding and attractive work and - as opposed to several of his contemporaneous works - it doesn't outstay its welcome. In fact, Dvorak gives us a structurally strong and balanced work, full of panache, energy and good ideas. It certainly deserves an occasional airing, and in performances as appealing as this one it comes across as a very satisfying work.

The op. 97 quintet is still, of course, a superior work; in fact, this so-called `American' quintet must rank among the composer's most marvelous chamber pieces; the tunes are simply wonderful, vigorously energetic and catchy, imaginative and atmospheric, and the music full of marvelous textures and colors in addition to impeccable formal construction. An indisputable, deeply absorbing masterpiece, and I am happy to report that the Vlach quartet (augmented with the violist Kyselak) is absolutely riveting; evocative and imaginative, yet determined and brisk, with wonderfully clear lines. The sound quality is quite excellent as well, so this recording is on the whole heartily recommended. A distinguished release.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars well done, October 7, 2005

By 

G. Metcalf (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dvorak: String Quintets Op. 1 & 97 (Audio CD)

The Vlach quartet, Prague does a wonderful job with these two pieces. Opus 1 is pleasant and tunefull but Opus 97 is the real stand-out. As the other reviewer mentions this was one of several works written during Dvorak's stay in the U.S. and it shares the attributes making those such great works: folksy tunes and nostalgic moods among other things. The recorded sound here is excellent and allows you to easily hear the fantastic job done by each musician. This CD is easy to recommend highly.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine performance - 4 1/2 stars, February 18, 2008

By 

J. Grant "Reviews for the average Joe" (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dvorak: String Quintets Op. 1 & 97 (Audio CD)

While this may not be the very best performance of Op.97 that I've heard (I slightly prefer the Talich or Leipzig), it is, nevertheless, very good. When you take into consideration the price, it becomes even more attractive.