The String Quartet

Venezuelan-born French composer Reynaldo Hahn was a year older than Ravel and studied with Massenet in Paris at an early age. Just before the outbreak of war, in 1939, Hahn began composing two string quartets, in a minor and in F major. A year later, his works were banned by the Nazis because of his Jewish origins. After his death in 1947, his compositions virtually disappeared from the stage. Fortunately, a rightful revival has since taken place, which wille be plainly understood when listening to the string quartets.

Even less known is the violin virtuoso and composer Lucien Durosoir, who was unable to perform after the First World War, retreated into isolation and devoted himself entirely to composing. His music, including three string quartets, is highly original and was only recovered long after his death.

Playlist

Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947) – String quartet in a minor (1939)

1. Andante molto moderato
2. Récit et chanson de Provence,
3. Andantino,
4. Allegro assai
Performers: Quatuor Parisii

CD: naïve Classique

Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947) – String Quartet in f major (1939)

1. Animé
2. Très mouvementé
3. Posément, très modéré,
4. Très vite
Performers: Quatuor Parisii

CD: naïve Classique

Lucien Durosoir (1878-1955) – String Quartet no.3 (1934)

1. Ferme et passionné
Performers: Quatuor Diotima

CD: Alpha