Maybe it’s the water (or the beer), but Czech string quartets always seem to be disproportionately represented among the world’s leading ensembles. The Prazák, in concert and on disc, has amply merited its strong reputation, further solidified by its Beethoven series, of which this disc of three Op. 18 quartets is the latest. Although this is labeled Volume 1, Volume 2, which includes Op. 18 Nos. 2, 3, and 6, has been out for a while and received a glowing 10/10 review from my colleague, Victor Carr Jr (to read that review, please type Q5714 in Search Reviews). Well, here’s another enthusiastic recommendation.
Throughout, the Prazáks project genuine Beethovenian dramatic tension, well-balanced, rich-toned ensemble sound, alert rhythmic sense, and driving, forward-moving energy effectively leavened when necessary, as in the Adagio of No. 1, with tenderness shadowed by hints of the tragic. Every so often I wondered whether the Prazáks were slamming a bit too hard on the gas pedal, à la the Emersons, but one or two rehearings convinced me that their stance was appropriate. Also especially winning are the first violin in the soloistic first movement of No. 4 and the naturalness with which the ensemble handles the quicksilver mood changes sprinkled throughout these quartets, such as those in the first movement of Op. 18 No. 1, where each episode is clearly delineated. If I were backed against a wall and forced to say something negative, it might be that a bit more geniality and humor should be present in these early quartets so strongly influenced by Mozart and Haydn, but that’s barely a noticeable speck on the Prazák’s accomplishment here.
The sound is first-rate, well-balanced, with you-are-there presence. A note on the back of the disc says it is a hybrid SACD, further identified as “Stereo Bi-Channel”. I thought “stereo” meant “bi-channel” but I guess it just drives home the fact that this isn’t a surround-sound recording, which should give no one any pause at all. Be assured that whatever unit you play this disc on, you’ll hear excellent performances in first-rate sound.
