Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence fairly leaps into action, setting the tone for what will be an invigorating and captivating performance. It’s quite impressive how these six solo instrumentalists play with a unanimity of purpose usually found only in established string quartets. This work has long been a specialty of the Borodin Quartet (augmented with two soloists), and their performances remain unique for their gripping rhythmic energy; but Sarah Chang (who offers beautifully rendered solos in the first movement) and her cohorts play up the music’s coloristic beauties while reveling in its deeply felt emotions.
As with the Tchaikovsky, Dvorák’s String Sextet is fully characteristic of its composer, with gorgeous melodies, dancing rhythms, and overall high spirits–all of which the players take to with palpable enthusiasm. The immaculate balancing and blending of the six voices projects Dvorák’s interweaving melodic lines to marvelous effect, making this performance a consistently pleasurable experience, from the soaring first movement to the poignant Dumka, the brisk Furiant, and the folksy theme-and-variations finale. EMI’s well balanced, clear recording falls short of the ultimate in hi-fidelity due to its over-bright top, but that won’t stop anyone from enjoying this engaging and brilliantly performed program. [11/19/2002]
