Lajtha: Complete String Quartets, Vol. 4

Albumbeschreibung

Though he had a prominent position in the rise of Hungarian art music, working closely alongside both Bartók and Kodály, László Lajtha's music and contributions to music history are largely unrecognized in modern times. He wore many hats as an active member of the musical scene, not the least of which was as composer of some 69 works. Among them were several fine chamber works. Together with Hungaroton Classic, the Auer String Quartet has set out to record Lajtha's complete string quartets and bring this overlooked composer to light. This installment, Volume 4 of the series, begins with the Second String Quartet. The influence of the Bartók is quite clear, yet Lajtha's writing is also informed by Bach as evidenced by his favorable use of polyphony and the immense, sophisticated fugue that draws the quartet to a close. Volume 4 also includes Lajtha's sole Piano Quintet, a massive 37-minute work cast in a single, expansive movement. Predating the Second Quartet by four years, the Piano Quintet has many impressionist moments. Both works are filled with lofty challenges for ensembles who undertake them, challenges the Auer String Quartet meets with ease. From passages of awkward parallel intervals, octaves, unisons, and sometimes strained harmonies, the Auers deliver a remarkably well-in-tune, polished product. They emphasize all of the external influencers that appear in Lajtha's scores while still giving him his own unique voice. The tight-knit interplay and exceptional balance between the ensemble's members makes Lajtha's polyphonic texture easy to follow.
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