French Early Modern composer Jacques Ibert [1890–1962] wrote one string quartet, from 1937–1942. I believe that this makes him the last well-known member of the French One String Quartet Club that I have discussed at various times. I am open to any suggestions of other possible inclusions.
The work opens in a snappy manner, with the violins expressing lines that seem to envelop themselves, something akin to circular motion. This continues for some time until a solo cello line appears, leading into an answering solo violin phrase. Soon the tempo abates and a rubato passage becomes serious. Some sparse melodic phrases create a magical moment, but a sense of tempo soon returns, slightly less dynamic than the opening section. Now we have another change, into a short rubato, then the cello pushes out statements as the violins scurry about in response. A return to the opening flavour is a delightful mood which finally ends on a high violin and a cello note.
The next, andante movement, commences with a lush, almost rhapsodic lament. The violins seem to strain out the notes over a static cello background, all the while sustaining this feeling as they overlap melodic lines to great effect. This is a most melancholy mood. Gradually the violins rise in pitch and intensity as they move into a serious chordal section. This is followed by a brief pause which seems to allow the composer to gather his thoughts. A solo violin moves to the forefront and the ensemble move in behind it, in a very sparse manner. The violin can often be heard solo here, but the second violin also has plenty to say at other times. A feeling of angst comes over the music with both violins residing in their lowest registers. The cello makes for a mournful sound as the violins slowly edge forward to a prolonged lamenting chord to conclude. This movement has to be worth the price of admission; it’s a beautiful piece of writing.
The third movement is a short presto dominated by pizzicato, particularly from the cello and viola. Simple melodies abound in this fantasy of a mood. The music is quite trivial, and it ends unexpectedly.
The final movement starts with a busy solo cello, soon to be joined by a violin, which expresses playfully. At this time, the cello part is as important as the violin. The second violin joins the caper and the music moves forward, all the time increasing in intensity; it is becoming quite manic. A long descending violin line leads to a flourish to end. The cello has been prominent throughout the whole of this movement.
The review CD, titled Chamber Music, also contains another short, fetching piece, Souvenir for string quartet. The rest of the disc is made up of further Ibert chamber works.
This disc is available on Amazon UK and Presto Classical, although they may make you wait for it. Amazon US has it as a download only.
The quartet can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and earsense.
Listenability: A sparkling work, with a deeply felt slow movement.