TCHAIKOVSKY: STRING QUARTET NO. 2; SOUVENIR DE FLORENCE - ROSTROPOVICH, BORODIN QUARTET

Tchaikovsky: String Quartet No.2 / Souvenir de Florence (sextet)

Borodin Quartet
Mstislav
Rostropovich (cello)
Genrikh Talalyan (viola)

‘The Second Quartet in particular is a most memorable piece, with its first-movement fusion of song, dance and symphonic rhetoric, its action-packed sequences and strong melodies. (Souvenir): Rostropovich is, of course, a compelling presence … driving tempos, distinguished solo work and an overall interpretation that is notably exciting in its own right.’ (Gramophone)

‘Both their earlier recordings (as here) are unassailable recommendations. Look no further’ (Penguin Guide 3 stars)

String Quartet No.2 in F major, Op.22 [35:03]
[1] Adagio – Moderato assai 11:36
[2] Scherzo: Allegro giusto 5:23
[3] Andante ma non tanto 12:23
[4] Finale: Allegro con moto 5:40

Souvenir de Florence (sextet) in D minor, Op.70 [33:54]
Also with Mstislav Rostropovich (cello) and Genrikh Talalyan (viola)
[5] I. Allegro con spirito 10:11
[6] II. Adagio cantabile e con moto 10:31
[7] III. Allegretto moderato 6:17
[8] IV. Allegro con brio e vivace 6:53