Flesch Quartet - Streichquartette 1 & 2
Erich Wolfgang Korngold:
1. Streichquartett Nr. 1 A-Dur op. 16
2. Streichquartett Nr. 2 Es-Dur op. 26

A much-needed coupling of the Korngold Quartets 1 & 2, gloriously lyrical works not otherwise available on a single CD. While he is best remembered as one of the greatest of all Hollywood film composers, his 'straight' classical scores are every bit as memorable. The first two string quartets both date from his earlier years in Austria, a period when his imagination and skill were in full flower. The exceptional Quartet No.1 from 1923 is full of startling melodic ideas, with adventurous harmonies but a ravishing slow movement and the sunniest of Intermezzos. The Second followed a decade later. In this richly romantic work, Korngold's music sings eloquently throughout. It is his most 'Viennese' score, with an autumnal tranquility pervading, and a joyous finale based on the Waltz. The Flesch Quartet have already won high praise with their ASV recording of quartets by Rawsthorne
Reviews:
"The Flesch's ensemble is five-star and the ASV balance is superb. A wonderful disc" (The Strad)
Released 2002.