Shostakovich: Complete String Quartets . Piano Quintet String Quartet Chamber Chandos

Shostakovich: Complete String Quartets . Piano Quintet

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Titles in this series

CHAN 10398

Multiple Set of 6 CDs

Shostakovich: Complete String Quartets . Piano Quintet

Running Time: 428:52

Digital UPC: 5059864139833

Release Date: November 2006
Originally recorded in 2005

Composer (1906-1975)
Dmitri Shostakovich

Chamber
Sorrel Quartet

Venue
Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk

Venue
Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Suffolk

Producer
Rachel Smith

Engineer
Jonathan Cooper

Engineer (Assistant: Nos 8, 9, 13)
Christopher Brooke

Engineer (Assistant: Nos 2, 14)
Matthew Walker

Genre:
String Quartet
Chamber

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Reviews

These interpretations have a cumulative intensity that draws one into the composer’s confessional world.

The Daily Telegraph on Vol.2

The Sorrel Quartet barrels into these knotty, deeply personal works with a fervour that is exhilarating for its sheer intensity and tenacity. Forget about rounding off the spiky edges; these interpretations are all about fearlessly laying bare the deep psychic trauma of Shostakovich’s most personal works. Fast movements are REALLY fast and manic, vicious, slashing, and sometimes are dark, brooding, and agonising. But these are hardly two-dimensional performances. The Sorrel players bring out the wry humour, parodic sarcasm, and moments of pure, unclouded lyricism that are also major components of these works. Their interpretations are kaleidoscopes of the composer’s many voices, raw and grating, wheedling and oily, anguished, exhausted and emotionally spent.

American Record Guide

‘… I am more than ever convinced that the Sorrel members are creating something special. In the face of stiff competition, their dramatic, detailed interpretations stand out – conscientious and convincing, firmly supported by secure, sometimes startling technical ability, appropriate tonal qualities and a powerful ensemble sensibility.’

Fanfare

Another strong instalment in the Sorrels’ series produces a rewarding experience.

Gramophone on Vol 4

Chandos has boxed the Sorrel Quartet’s recordings of these works, plus the Piano Quintet with martin Roscoe and in some respects these readings are more convincing than the Emerson’s. Please don’t misunderstand me when I say there is an element of roughness in the Sorrel’s playing, for it is not at all inappropriate – indeed, it is positively to be welcomed at times, especially in the astounding masterpiece which is the Ninth Quartet, wherein the character of the music almost seems to burst the bounds of what a string quartet can be capable. Where necessary, the Sorrel’s fearless attack is admirable, taking the listener with them, and their sensitivity and deep musicality cover the emotional range of these works splendidly. The sound throughout is the best of all these issues.

International Record Review

I saw them perform a Shostakovich string quartet and bought all their Shostakovich recordings. Their scores are covered with little notes on moods and pace, most of which come from having worked with a musician who worked with Shostakovich - OK, I forgot his name. Listening to the Sorrel Quartet is to be immersed in an integrated appreciation of Shostakovich's music: phrases link perfectly to bigger themes and everything works, everything has purpose. Plus, you feel like your breath will form clouds when you breathe out and you have a sudden urge to drink vodka.

K Harrison

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