This CD, actually titled Capriccio – Gems From the Quartet Literature investigates the theme of string quartet incidental works by Romantic era composers that, with the odd exception, are not particularly prominent in producing string quartets. Even if they are, the works contained herein are usually quite short.

Spaniard Joaquin Turina’s La Oración del torero (Bullfighter’s Prayer) opens with a swirling, almost scurrying solo violin line that quickly moves into a section of distinctively Spanish nature, reflecting the composer’s heritage. A rhythmic feeling gives way to a most expressive solo violin passage, until the ensemble presents soothing, sustained chords behind it. These harmonies are very rich and continue to complement the violin for some time. A pause leads to an introspective melancholia with the violin part being outstanding. Slowly the cello suggests movement and a change to rhythm ensues. The violin continues to inspire the ensemble on as the music appears to oscillate between the rhythmic and the reflective. A superb section unfolds with the violins being wonderfully lyrical. Nearing the end, the mood is almost prayer-like, concluding a piece of great beauty and emotional expression.

Belgian Guilluame Lekeu’s Molto Adagio for String Quartet is also sometimes known as Molto Adagio on the Words of Christ – inspired by Christ’s words in the Garden of Gethsemane, ‘My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death’ (Thanks, Gramophone). This piece was also on a CD that I have previously discussed, containing his one string quartet, completed just before he died at the age of 24. This is a personal favourite, and I have just managed to acquire the CD. I pondered discussing the work at the time, but relish the opportunity now – it is a stunning piece of music, and also the longest on the disc.

This work begins to reveal itself very slowly, starting from a low volume. A shrill violin expresses lamentingly, over a shimmering background, which thickens in texture before the whole ensemble move in to a section of great peace. I hear hints of the string quartet in the melodic lines. A pause reintroduces a soaring violin that floats back to earth and a marvellously expressive accompaniment. There is movement, but the violin, in its lowest register, dominates for a time. Now the violin is harmonised and a profound beauty arises out of the ensuing mood. This is followed by a section of rich, dramatic chords, which allows the violin to maintain its most precious feeling.

The ensemble writing is superb, with a sustained period of melancholia, before rising to a dramatic crescendo with many powerful, overlapping instrumental lines. This mood is broken by a pause and further solo violin lamentations. The ensemble return with a measured response, moving the music forward. A phrase heard earlier is now developed at some length. A final solo violin section moves into a most unusual drone, which concludes this magnificent work.

I must make further mention of Lekeu’s one string quartet, which has been deleted for some time. I now notice that it is available by the Spiegel String Quartet, on the MDG label and contains the discussed Adagio as well as a piano quartet. I highly recommend this seminal work of the repertoire.

Italian Giacomo Puccini was mostly known for his operas but his contribution to this disc, Crisantemi (Chrysanthemums) is wonderful. A most lyrical harmonised melody opens this work and the feeling continues for some time. I like to think of it as restrained beauty, until a sense of drama is presented, albeit briefly. A sustained cello tone leads into a violin musing over an ensemble ostinato, before the opening lyricism returns. Now more drama is heard, but it dissipates into another lyrical passage. This piece is sweet, but not saccharine and is most comforting. It belies its length of just under six minutes as the composer seems to fit in so much music. The ending is remarkably similar to the previous mentioned drone conclusion.

The three other works on the CD are Czechoslovakian Erwin Schulhoff’s Five Pieces for String Quartet; German Felix Mendelssohn’s Capriccio in E minor; and an arrangement of Italian Domenico Scarlatti’s Sonata a Quatro – Concerto Grosso No. 3. I enjoyed the Scarlatti and Mendelssohn, but found the Schulhoff slightly foreign in approach with regard to the other works.

The review CD, performed by the EnAccord String Quartet, on the Etcetera label, is available on Amazon UK and Presto Classical, and also as New and Used on Amazon US.

This disc is on Spotify and YouTube.

Listenability: An emotionally rewarding compilation.