SCHOENBERG A. (1874-1951) SCHERZO IN F, PRESTO IN C, CHAMBER SYMPHONY Op.9, STRING QUARTET

1. Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951) - Scherzo for String Quartet in F (1896-7)

2. Arnold Schoenberg - Presto for String Quartet in C (1896)

3. Arnold Schoenberg - Chamber Symphony Op.9 (1906), Transcription for Piano and String Quartet by Anton Webern (1922-23)

4.-7. Anton Schoenberg - String Quartet No.3, Op.30 (1926)

Jaromír Klepáč piano (3)

Pražák Quartet: Pavel Hůla, Vlastimil Holek violins, Josef Klusoň viola, Michal Kaňka cello

The fifth volume devoted to Schönberg’s chamber music. On display here is writing that, after being based on traditional models (youthful Scherzo and Presto), evolves towards a melodic density and clarity of counterpoint making the Chamber Symphony, Op.9 (1906) accomplished and radiant as much in its chamber transcriptions as in the versions for full orchestra. The Quartet No.3 (1926) achieves a masterful balance between rhythm and harmony, melody and counterpoint, horizontality and verticality. All these processes blend in an original art of the continuous variation. By blurring the formal aspect, the PRAŽÁKs make him the heir of other Viennese: Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Brahms… and Beethoven.

(Praga Digitals)