3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Masterful new recordings of two 20th century masterpieces, August 15, 2004
This review is from: Lento - Alfred Schnittke: Klavierquintett; Shostakovich: Streichquartett Nr. 15, Op. 144 (Audio CD)
Under the blue title in this interesting CD by the wonderful label Ecm wroth Lento, which means slowly. Two chamber pieces fill up this CD by two Russian Composers, Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998) and Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975). The first piece, Piano Quintet is a very personal work by Schnittke. It is dark music, not an easy one, which will need to hear couple of times before understanding its full impact. Also given here a masterful performance by the Keller Quartet. The playing is solid and build up with tensions. The next piece is accurse by the great Russian Dmitri Shostakovich. So here we have his last chamber work, the String Quartet No. 15 which like Schinttke work is not an easy one. The composer worth it very closely to his death, almost without the ability to write it in his own hands. The long first movement, Elegie, is for me one of Shostakovich most spiritual music. The next movements are full of fear and shocks, maybe from death, and they lead to an enigmatic last movement. Here also the Keller Quartet gives a powerful playing. The Ecm production is also great. With detailed notes and well balanced clear sound, making those performances a top choice for those seeking alternative recordings of masterpiece chambers works of the 20th century.
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