Piano Quartets: June 2008 Archives

Mel Bonis
(1858-1937)

Piano Quartet #1 in B Flat Major, Op. 69
Soir, Matin Op. 76
Piano Quartet #2 in D Major, Op. 124

Mozart Piano Quartet
Dabringhaus & Grimm MDG6431424-2 56:38

Once again, the performers of the Mozart Piano Quartet (Mark Gothoni, violin; Haartmut Rohde, viola; Peter Hörr, cello; Paul Rivinius, piano) have produced an excellent CD of rarely heard music. Mèlanie Bonis Domange wrote strong, passionate chamber works. They are serious French Post-Romantic compositions, but this CD gives only us a small sample of Bonis' output during her long creative life. The First and Second Piano Quartets are separated by twenty years. Both contain rich harmonies, high emotional content, and classic structure. The last movement of Op. 124 is especially restless and dramatic, keeping that drama high till the very last chords. Highly recommended.

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[ Sheet music by this composer: Sheet Music Plus - Musicnotes.com ]

Richard Strauss
(1864-1949)

Piano Quartet, Op. 13 (1885?)
Festmarsch (1884)
Ständchen (1881)
Liebesliedchen (1893)
Arabischer Tanz (1893)

Mozart Piano Quartet
Dabringhaus & Grimm MDG6431355-2 55:41

My enthusiasm for this composition and performance knows no limit. This early piano quartet was clearly influenced by Strauss' love for Brahms, although there are strong hints of Strauss' own gift for soaring melodies and the discovery of a musical language of his own. The third movement is simply gorgeous, similar in mood to the magnificent Andante of Brahms' Op. 60 piano quartet. The part-writing is masterful.

The performance by the Mozart Piano Quartet is thrilling, and the sound quality is lovely and balanced. They play with beautiful tone, delicacy or controlled wildness as the music dictates. This group has become one of my very favorite ensembles.

Mention must be made also of the ear-opening Arabian Dance. It only takes 1:24 but it gets the blood racing like a good strong cup of coffee.

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[ Available on CD: Amazon - UK - Germany - Canada - France - Japan - ArkivMusic - CD Universe ]

[ Sheet music for the Pianio Quartet: Sheet Music Plus ]