Mendelssohn: Scherzo In A Minor Op. 81 No. 2

Since its foundation in1995, Quartetto di Roma has been recognised as one of the most significant quartets. The ensemble has been invited to play in many prestigious events. In 2010, they celebrated their 15th anniversary with a Recital in the Berlin Philharmonic Hall.

This CD features the String Quartet in F minor Op.80 by Felix Mendelssohn and the String Quartet in E flat major by his sister Fanny. The Zurich based Merel Quartet has received critical acclaim “acutely attuned and sensitive ensemble playing”

Praised by Gramophone for the “deep feeling” of its playing on Volume 1 (8570001) the New Zealand String Quartet here completes its recording of all the Mendelssohn Quartets.

The composer’s first essay in the form, a strikingly accomplished work by a fourteen year- old, is presented alongside his personal favourite, the D major, Op. 44, No. 1.

This last of the three Op. 44 Quartets to be written is notable for its suave Minuet and a particularly expressive Andante. In the Op. 81 Theme and Variations and Scherzo from the last year of his life melancholy and magic meet in typical Mendelssohnian manner.

The Alcan Quartet performs music for string ensemble that reveals both the dark and light sides Mendelssohn’s character. His Quartet No. 6, Op. 80 is an anguished requiem for his sister Fanny, written shortly before the composer himself died. Four Pieces, Op. 81 was assembled by a publisher two years after Mendelssohn’s death. Canada’s internationally acclaimed violist Steven Dann joins the musicians of the Alcan for the composer’s Quintet No. 2, Op.87, written in 1845 during a period of relative calm.