The String Quartet in D Minor: A Masterpiece by Sibelius

Sibelius' string quartet in D minor is a masterpiece that showcases the composer's remarkable skill and creativity. The piece, written for a limited number of instruments, is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and tell stories.

The fourth movement of the quartet is particularly striking, with its themes of national identity and joy giving way to sadness and despair in response to the brutal interruption brought on by deafness. The second movement, a quasi-polka, takes us back to the composer's youth, where he was known for his lively Czech dances. Meanwhile, the third movement, largo sostenuto, is a poignant recollection of Sibelius' first love.

The quartet is often described as a program work, with each movement reflecting a different stage in Sibelius' life. The first movement, marked by a taste for art and romantic atmosphere, gives way to unspeakable nostalgia and a warning of future unhappiness. This sense of foreboding is underscored by the E note that appears in the finale, which was later echoed by the strident squeal that Sibelius heard when he became deaf.

Despite its many merits, the Kocian String Quartet's recording of the Sibelius quartet falls short of expectations. The performance is rushed and forced, with a tone that is often shrill and intonation that can be slippery and woeful at times. In contrast, the Fitzwilliam String Quartet gives a pensive, moving, and beautiful account of the piece.

The sound quality of the recording is quite good, although it could benefit from a more balanced mix that doesn't lean too heavily on reverberation. Ultimately, the Kocian Quartet's performance lacks the warmth and richness of other recordings, such as the Julliard String Quartet's LP release. While this quartet has its moments, it is ultimately surpassed by others in terms of both performance and recording quality.

In conclusion, Sibelius' string quartet in D minor is a masterpiece that deserves to be heard in all its glory. While some recordings may fall short of expectations, the piece itself remains a powerful testament to the composer's skill and creativity.

Sibelius string quartet in d minor