Tchaikovsky's string quartets have found a growing audience in later years, and the number of recordings have increased dramatically, especially in the 1990s. Nimbus originally released the Franz Schubert Quartett's set in 1993, and this 2004 reissue should find new fans for these delightful performances. The quartets are among
Tchaikovsky's most classically refined works, and their elegance and charm no doubt drew the group's admiration. These players infuse the quartets with appealing energy and vitality, and
Tchaikovsky's idiomatic writing gives them many opportunities to shine. The String Quartet No. 1 is the brightest of the set, and the quartet glories in its open fifth sonorities and ardent melodies. Coming next on the program, the String Quartet No. 3 is a more muted and introverted work, and the ensemble accords it a serious treatment. However, the scherzo and the finale provide some comic relief, alleviating the work's somber character. The String Quartet No. 2 strikes a fine balance between moods, and may be the most fascinating of the three works for its novel voicings and rhythmic variety. Rounding out the set,
Tchaikovsky's luxurious Souvenir de Florence is richly performed by the quartet, augmented by Johannes Flieder on viola II and Walther Schulz on cello II. The sound quality is vibrant and warm.