The Leonkoro Quartet's latest disc, "Out of Vienna", is a thrilling exploration of Viennese modernism that delves into the groundbreaking works of Alban Berg, Anton Webern, and Erwin Schulhoff.
Berg's Lyric Suite is a masterclass in nuanced expression, as captured by the quartet's searing performance. The Andante Amoroso is a sensual, swooning waltz, while the Allegro Misterioso tiptoes on muted strings with a delicate tenderness. Meanwhile, the Presto Delirando is a frenetic, coital thrill ride that showcases the ensemble's unflinching dedication to detail.
Webern's Five Pieces from 1909 mark an astonishing milestone in atonal string quartet writing, demonstrating the composer's boundless dynamic range and imaginative depth. The Langsamer Satz, while overtly romantic, stands as a poignant reminder of the musical possibilities that might have been overlooked in favor of experimentation. The Leonkoro Quartet brings a maturity and expressiveness to this piece that is nothing short of remarkable.
Interwoven between these two towering figures are Schulhoff's Five Pieces, a quirky suite that hurtles from wry Viennese waltz to sultry Argentine tango. This disc serves as a fascinating reminder that Schulhoff was no stranger to experimentation, embracing an astonishing range of styles throughout his career. The Leonkoro Quartet dives headfirst into this absurdist phase with gusto, yielding top-tier performances and recording sound.
Throughout "Out of Vienna", the Leonkoro Quartet proves themselves to be a quartet of uncommon fire and imagination, one that tackles some of modernism's most pivotal works with unflinching passion and dedication.
Berg's Lyric Suite is a masterclass in nuanced expression, as captured by the quartet's searing performance. The Andante Amoroso is a sensual, swooning waltz, while the Allegro Misterioso tiptoes on muted strings with a delicate tenderness. Meanwhile, the Presto Delirando is a frenetic, coital thrill ride that showcases the ensemble's unflinching dedication to detail.
Webern's Five Pieces from 1909 mark an astonishing milestone in atonal string quartet writing, demonstrating the composer's boundless dynamic range and imaginative depth. The Langsamer Satz, while overtly romantic, stands as a poignant reminder of the musical possibilities that might have been overlooked in favor of experimentation. The Leonkoro Quartet brings a maturity and expressiveness to this piece that is nothing short of remarkable.
Interwoven between these two towering figures are Schulhoff's Five Pieces, a quirky suite that hurtles from wry Viennese waltz to sultry Argentine tango. This disc serves as a fascinating reminder that Schulhoff was no stranger to experimentation, embracing an astonishing range of styles throughout his career. The Leonkoro Quartet dives headfirst into this absurdist phase with gusto, yielding top-tier performances and recording sound.
Throughout "Out of Vienna", the Leonkoro Quartet proves themselves to be a quartet of uncommon fire and imagination, one that tackles some of modernism's most pivotal works with unflinching passion and dedication.