This CD, featuring Ravel's the ever-popular string quartet - flanked by contemporaries Lalo & Turina - is the second vibrant release on the Sacconi Quartet's own new record label
The Sacconi Quartet's recording of the Ravel is currently described as The finest version of the Ravel Quartet currently available. Don't wait . . . you need this now. by MusicWeb International, and the energetic performance is well-suited to the inspired pairing with the other works on this disc.
The fresh playing is well-complemented by the CD artwork, from an original paining by Neil Canning. Alongside the Ravel, in a Franco-Spanish programme, is Lalo's little-known string quartet, Opus 45, which, as this performance amply demonstrates, is worthy of wider recognition. It is Lalo's life in France, coupled with his Spanish parentage, which provides the link to the Ravel and the other piece on this disc; Turina's evocative Prayer of the Bullfighter.
This might be playing with an element of the freshness and impetuosity of youth, but it is also playing with a depth of understanding. The Herald
Joaqun Turina (1882 - 1949)
1. Prayer of the Bullfighter
duard Lalo (1823 - 1892)
String Quartet in E flat, opus 45
2. Allegro vivo
3. Andante non troppo
4. Vivace
5. Appassionato
Maurice Ravel (1875 - 1937)
String Quartet in F
6. Allegro Moderato, Tres Doux
7. Assez vif, Tres rythm
8. Tres lent
9. Vif et agit