Fesca: String Quartets Op. 1

Chronique

The Authentic Quartet's third release on Hungaroton is similar in several ways to its previous CDs, most notably in the group's revival of obscure string quartets by a minor composer of the late Classical era; in its exceptional performances on period instruments; and in the remarkably clear reproduction provided by the label. Friedrich Ernst Fesca's String Quartets (3), Op. 1, are by no means deep or innovative works, and they are certainly average in comparison with the quartets of Ludwig van Beethoven or Franz Schubert, his contemporaries. As a composer making his living as a court musician in Germany, Fesca was rather far removed from the musical life of Vienna and was consequently unaware of stylistic advances. Yet his quartets have at least as much charm, ingenuity, and finesse as the string quartets of Nikolaus Zmeskáll or Georg Likl, which the Authentic Quartet presented on its first two albums; and Fesca's penchant for flashy violin parts and rich, resonant textures may remind some listeners of the gemütlich chamber music of Louis Spohr. While the merits of these works are open to dispute, the value of this ensemble's playing is not, for there are few period groups with its sparkle, warmth, and genuine feeling for this kind of light chamber music. Hungaroton's sound quality is immediate and vibrant, so the music is given the best possible presentation; though these three string quartets are decidedly not masterpieces, they are treated as if they were, and they sound superb on this brilliantly produced disc.

© TiVo