Tchaikovsky's third and final string quartet is in the dark key of E flat minor, which unfortunately is a key that is quite problematic for intonation. Happily, this seems much less of an issue for the
Kopelman Quartet than many other ensembles. This live performance given in London's Wigmore Hall is quite strong in most other respects. The pacing is very intelligently chosen. The second movement does not fall into the trap of being too fast, and the funereal third movement does not lose momentum while still maintaining its profundity and solemnity. The overall sound quality and balance is a bit bothersome, but it is difficult to ascertain if this is because of the quartet itself or because of the space in which the quartet is playing. The ensemble's sound seems unfocused and distant. The cello is often muffled in its lower registers and sometimes inaudible in its higher ranges.
The strengths and weaknesses of the Tchaikovsky carry over to the Schubert Death and the Maiden Quartet. The first movement tempo is quite vivacious and the
Kopelman's playing remains energetic throughout. Intonation is generally solid save for a few ear-turning moments in the Scherzo. The recorded sound remains far from the ideal, though, and despite its good qualities, this album should not be considered a primary reference for either of these works.