Dvorak: Chamber Works

Supraphon’s 4CD boxset of Czech composer Antonín Dvořák’s larger chamber works is a wonderful follow up to their previous  8CD set  of String Quartets. Both feature the Czech-based Panocha Quartet from the 90’s (mostly), although the CD of Piano Quartets here are performed instead by the Suk Trio from the early 80’s.The String and Piano Quintets, String Sextet, and Piano Quartets all feature Dvořák’s wonderful abilities with a melody, soulful slow movements, and interesting Czech-flavoured harmonies and rhythms. There isn’t really a dud in this bunch of chamber works, although the overstuffed, yet eager-sounding early works contrast nicely with the determined craftsmanship of his more famous later ones.The Panocha Quartet plays with a beautiful slivery tone that is immediately winsome. They tend to move Dvořák’s music forward compared to old-chestnut recordings of these works, and they breath fresh air and vitality with their remarkable sense of ensemble. Opposed to Panocha’s traversal of the string quartets, the additional voices in the quintets and sextet add body to the sound (the double bass in the 2nd Quintet gives a solid foundation) and the piano adds quite a bit of drama comparatively.The Suk Trio, also Czech based, has a more steely tone, they play more with the give and take of the tempo, and are generally more intense with their music making. This is only a striking difference after hearing 12 hours of Panocha’s playing of Dvořák, whose sheer joy comes through much differently than the Suk ensemble. The many guest artists greatly add to the proceedings as well.Some of Dvořák's more famous works here may have reference recordings elsewhere, but this is a really fine set with a remarkable consistency across these boxed sets. There is yet another chamber music box  on Supraphon  that contains the Piano Trios, four-handed piano works, and solo instruments accompanied by piano. Recommended.

This is an attractive package of Dvorak chamber music from first class ensembles including the Panocha Quartet and the Suk Trio, both supplemented by guest artists. The Panocha Quartet produced an outstanding cycle of the Dvorak quartets ( Dvorák: String Quartets (Complete) [Box Set ]), and the quintets and sextets included in the present four-disc package are natural complements to their other recordings.Nearly all of the recordings here were made between 1992-1996 and were originally issued on Supraphon as follows: Quintets Op 1 & 97 Dvorák: String Quintet No. 2; String Sextet; Intermezzo Piano Quintets 1 & 2 Piano Quartets 1 & 2 I was unfamiliar with the string quintets and the sextet until now, so I can't offer comparative comments re: other recordings. The music is appealing and anyone who appreciates Dvorak will like it. The Panocha Quartet is unapproachable in Dvorak, so listeners can be confident they're getting expert and highly idiomatic readings.The Panochas are joined by eminent Czech pianist (and Suk Trio member) Jan Panenka in the piano quintets. Given that the second quintet is one of the classics of the chamber repertoire, there's tremendous competition out there; and while they turn in a very good performance, I feel it's a little too subdued in places. Part of the problem may be the position of the piano, which is somewhat recessed. For a more heroic approach look to Rubinstein, whose recording with the Guarneri Quartet is unbeatable ( Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 67 ).The Suk Trio's recordings of the Dvorak piano trios are bona-fide classics ( Dvorak: Complete Piano Trios ), consequently my expectations were high when it came to their readings of the two piano quartets. Both are played with real rhythmic backbone, and with the instruments perfectly balanced. In this case it's the Suk's op. 87 quartet that I prefer over Rubinstein's with the Guarneris.I bought a set from a European reseller for just over $20 with no regrets.4.5 stars.

Don't let the review by dissonance scare you away from this set. If you are looking for a more "classical" rendering, a la Vienna Octet, then this might not be for you. But if you are looking for a more propulsive, exciting performance of the quintets, this one fits the bill. Also, the Suk Trio's performance in the Piano Quartets is especially appealing - both fiery and lyrical where it needs to be. While there are many excellent performances of the more well-known pieces, most listeners will not be disappointed with this collection of these beautiful chamber works. I do note that the Amazon prime price ($31) is not really competitive; you can obtain this 4CD box set for $24 or less shipped from many other vendors.

I don't understand why people compare performers to other performers. Everyone is different. If you think they didn't perform well, then give the discs back. I, personally, found this set pleasant to listen to since I very much like the performers' interpretation.

Panocha QuartetとSuk Trioが中心となった、ドボルザークのカルテット以上の編成で、別巻の弦楽四重奏曲全集以外の曲目が収められた4枚物CDセットです。最初は３つの弦楽五重奏曲。最初の第１番Op.1なんて初めて聴きました。次は聴く機会の多い第３番Op.97が続きますが、ここまではQuartet+violaの編成。三番目の第２番Op.77はQuartet+double-bassの編成。重心がぐっと下がります。この流れでIntermezzo(Nocturne)for string quartetが入り、弦楽六重奏曲Op.48（2violin+2viola+2cello）に繋げています。ピアノが絡むのは後半の２枚。ピアノ五重奏曲第１番Op.5（これも初めて聴きました）と第２番Op.81で１枚。ピアノ四重奏曲第１番Op.23、第２番Op.87で１枚です。ピアノ四重奏曲が、Suk Trio + violaの他は、基本的にPanocha Quartet + 〇〇で揃えられたセットとなっています。とても安心して聴け、お薦めできる内容かと思います。