German Romantic composer Max Christian Friedrich Bruch [1838–1920] wrote two string quartets. He was mostly known for his violin concertos, which are still played and recorded today. In fact there are nearly three thousand hits on Amazon. His two string quartets were completed early, the second when he was just 23 years old.
String Quartet No. 1 is in four movements. The first, marked andante – allegro, starts with a solo violin and a gentle melody. The ensemble move in to support its lofty expression and fashion answering statements. At around one minute, we are out of andante and into allegro. This is characterised by a racing violin with the ensemble trying to keep up. After a period of brisk forward movement, it returns to the andante tempo with a lush, Romantic expression. The first violin presents some poignant melodies and then, accelerates into a new phase of frantic violin and rhythmic interjections. A brief stagnant moment reverts back to an energised passage. A feature of this movement is its constant change of tempos. A particularly longing melody has fine cello support, as it steps forward with strong playing, leading into another dramatic phase. Now soft, but busy flurries again lead into a dynamic section which, of course, only lasts for a time. The next moderate passage lingers in a slightly introspective mood before the violins build to another crescendo and an ending of several repeated chords.
Although this may sound slightly schizophrenic, it works beautifully, bringing to mind Mendelssohn’s Octet for Strings which was written many years later.
A particularly sonorous mood commences the next, adagio movement. I hear a hint of a melody that has probably been plagiarised by someone else; but it’s truly wonderful. A gentle tempo takes over but the mood remains restrained. This is a joyous moment, and the violin leads the ensemble through several calm passages. The feeling is very precious; the violin lyrical, with a wonderful tone. A quiet finish ensues.
The next movement has an optimistic dance-like feeling to open. The violins are in charge but the cello makes some telling statements. The intensity drops and changes in harmony are perfect. Wistful violins craft marvellous melodies against a sympathetic background. A short solo violin moment leads to a resumption of the opening energy. All instruments contribute to this feeling, which moves on to a slightly lamenting passage, which dramatically changes to a flourish of chords to conclude.
The finale is a row of quivering bows which develops into a serious moment. A change into a minor tonality leads to a restrained section, before moving into more energy. This is now measured and the violin melodies develop a slightly lamenting section, however, it is soon overwhelmed by rhythmic thrusts. The tempo drops back but a stately mood is briefly presented until the violins evoke yet-to-be-written Mendelssohn. Perhaps there was a bit of influence involved. The finish is strong.
My review CD, performed by the Mannheim Quartet is still available on Amazon. There are other versions, sometimes paired with other composers’ works. Spotify has two CDs, and both quartets are on YouTube. A version by the Diogenes Quartet can be found on earsense.
Listenability: A classic Romantic chamber work.
Glad to hear it Teresa
JH
I am interested to hear this John xx