Takács Quartet - Dvořák: String Quartet, Op. 105; String Quintet, Op. 97 "American" (2023) [Hi-Res]

A new release from the Takács Quartet is guaranteed to be a highlight of the musical year, and this one easily exceeds all expectations. The ‘American’ quintet dates from Dvořák’s sojourn in the New World, the quartet from his return to old-world Prague; both are marvellous works, sounding here every bit the masterpieces they undoubtedly are.

In the summer of 1891 Dvořák was invited to take up the position of Director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York. His arrival there, on 27 September of the following year, coincided with the climax of the 400th anniversary Columbus celebrations, and Dvořák could watch the parades passing by from the windows of the Conservatory. ‘The Columbus celebrations finished just yesterday’, he told his friend Karel Bastar a fortnight or so later, ‘and they were simply gigantic!’: We have never seen anything like this; and never has America had such an opportunity to show what it is capable of accomplishing. Imagine a continuous succession of grand parades—from the branches of industry, trades, gymnastics, the arts, and everything—which lasted three days, from the morning until two o’clock at night. There were thousands and thousands of people; and always many, many other images. And what about the various music bands! ...

"The pairing of the Takács Quartet and viola player Lawrence Power has already proved a winning one in Brahms and the results are no less seductive in Dvořák … an entrancing album" (Gramophone)

"Their attention to detail produces constantly arresting textures and the recorded balance allows the all-important viola lines full prominence" (BBC Music Magazine)

Takács Quartet