Grechaninov - String Quartets Op.2 and Op.70

Alexander Grechaninov

 Complete String Quartets Vol.1

String Quartet nr.1 op. 2 (1894)

String Quartet nr.2 op. 70 (1913)

Utrecht String Quartet

Grechaninov is best known as a choral composer, but the string quartets are very attractive music, and surprisingly engaging.

The performers on this CD sound with some sweetness of tone, and generally avoid harsh playing. They clearly have thought out their performances, for these capture Grechaninov's light but remarkable lyric sensibility. If you enjoy quartets from the turn of the century - the 19th that is, these should prove a very nice treat. The first of the two, Op. 2, is touched with a delightful sense of beauty. A very fine recording, and not just for the adventurous!

The Strad: ...unfailingly beautiful tone, 

effortless ensemble

All thanks to Sinnachreb for this post! 

*****Note: This post includes the atobiography of Alexander Grechahinov My Life (1952),

Another gift from Sinnachreb!

BS link (by error) doesn't includes it, so I made a separete upload only for the book, plese check the comments****