Czech Late Romantic composer Karel Kovařovic [1862–1920] wrote just three string quartets, from 1885-1889. In my book, this makes them early works. Also, it reveals that the composer would have been exposed to some of Dvorak’s mature quartets and it shows. I am going to discuss the First Quartet, and possibly briefly examine the final, adagio movement of the Third Quartet.
The First has a composer marking of allegro moderato and so it is. Sweeping violins, almost rhapsodic, blend together to create a fine European soundspace, in a triple meter. The first violin is most melodic, whilst still driving the music forward. A drop in intensity has the violin more thoughtful and features a switch from major to minor keys. Settling on a melodic motif, the violin deconstructs it at length. A false ending allows for a return to the opening feeling and I notice Dvorakian references here. Now that motif reappears and a brief quiet passage quickly gives way to a more passionate feeling, with the violin again rhapsodic. This attractive mood is sustained, albeit in a gentle manner until a flourish ends.
An andante movement follows – measured violin melodies drift across a warm harmonic canvas. The first violin now becomes more rhythmical and leads the music through a whimsical passage. A section of long bow strokes creates a new atmosphere. The composer can certainly craft a fine melody. A somewhat stately section is sombre, and eminently satisfying. An increase in intensity has the violin crafting warm lines that are quite beguiling and lead to a slightly perfunctory finish.
The third movement, marked scherzo, is relatively brief and displays a Classical character at a moderate tempo. Another false ending leads the music into a folk like passage which doesn’t last. A return to a more expansive sound brings about another perfunctory ending.
The longest movement in the work, the finale, surprisingly starts quite conservatively, with no great intensity. The first violin leads the ensemble through several measured sections, without really projecting much emotional impact, although it is still the dominant voice. Now a surge in activity leads to a more energised passionate passage which constantly builds in intensity with some fine violin lines expressed. I am finding this movement a little wearying as it seems to be taking a long time to develop anything new, although it does lift nearing the end, which is the obligatory flourish.
Lately I find I am being drawn to these Romantic and even Classical sounds – quite a way from some of the recent Contemporary posts and the music that I usually favour. It’s probably a phase but these moods are speaking to me now, bringing a peace into my life.
Before I leave Kovařovic I would like to alert you to the third, adagio movement of the Third Quartet, which I believe to be unfinished. This is a very pure, stately piece which I found to be most enjoyable. A lamenting violin alternates with wonderfully warm harmonised ensemble statements. Now a tempo is introduced, but the previously mentioned qualities are still evident. A reflective violin emerges, framed over an unusual pizzicato rhythmic pattern from the cello, which is repeated through the various changing harmonies to great effect. Now the rhythm pauses and several arco cello tones are joined by the violins to a faded ending. This is a wonderful movement.
The recently released review CD, Kovařovic: The Complete String Quartets, performed by the Stamic Quartet on the Supraphon label is freely available from Amazon US and UK.
This CD is on Spotify, and can also be found on earsense and YouTube.
Listenability: Emotionally rewarding Romantic works.