The String Quartet

We are slowly getting closer to Johannes Brahms’ talent for quartets who, after Mendelssohn and Schumann, is considered the master and roll model of the art of quartets. We have also discovered though, that the period between Schumann and Brahms has delivered a wealth of quartets. This continuous flow of new compositions also revealed some gems, among which those written by Woldemar Bargiel. This composer bridged Schumann and Brahms in an interesting way, not only because of his talent, but, equally important, because of his descent. He was after all Clara Schumann’s half-brother (they had the same mother). The first quartets closely relate to his teachers Mendelssohn and Schumann, but the fourth and last quartet certainly measures up with Brahms’ work.

Woldemar Bargiel – String Quartet nr.3, in a minor. (opus 15b)

1. Allegro ma non troppo (6:45), 2. Allegretto commodo (2:45),
2. Andante sostenuto (3:49), 4. Vivace ed energico (4:30) (17:50)

Performers: Orpheus Quartett

CD: CPO

Woldemar Bargiel – String Quartet in d-minor. (opus 47)

1. Molto moderato ma passionate (8:30), 2. Andante (7:24),
2. Allegro energico, impetuoso (6:13), 4. Allegro ma non troppo (7:57) (29:05)

Performers: Orpheus Quartett

CD: CPO

Woldemar Bargiel – String Quartet in E major.

4. Finale. Presto (4:24)

Performers: Orpheus Quartett

CD: CPO