Presented by Leo Samama.
Herman Strategier (1912-1988) – String Quartet No.3 (1936)
- Allegretto Gracioso, 2. Larghetto, 3. Furioso
Performers: Matangi Quartet
CD: Etcetera
Henk Badings (1907-1987) – String Quartet No.3 (1944)
- Allegro, 2. Scherzo, 3. Adagio, 4. Rondo
Performers: Dekany Quartet
LP: Alpha
Willem Pijper (1894-1947) – String Quartet No.5 (1946)
- Allegretto, 2. Poco adagio
Performers: Schönberg Quartet
CD: Olympia
Oscar van Hemel (1892-1981) – String Quartet No.4 (1953)
- Thema con variazioni, 3. Grave, 4. Allegro giocoso
Performers: Nederlands String Quartet
CD: Donemus
While Badings and Van Hemel studied under Willem Pijper, Herman Strategier was a pupil of Hendrik Andriessen at the Kerkmuziekschool in Utrecht. Most of Strategier’s secular compositions fall under the category of “musique pour faire plaisir,” such as his Third String Quartet from 1936.
Henk Badings’ Third String Quartet is completely different in character. It was created in the midst of the war, after Badings had fled The Hague to Drenthe following “Dolle Dinsdag.” Badings’ quartet is marked by signals and punctuated rhythms that give it a certain toughness that contrasts beautifully with the lyrical secondary themes.
Pijper’s unfinished Fifth Quartet was created shortly after the war, when the composer was already suffering from a debilitating illness. Finally, three movements from Oscar van Hemel’s Third String Quartet (also a pupil of Pijper). Pay special attention to the beautiful theme with variations and the following Grave.
