Janacek / Smetana / Takacs Quartet String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2 CD

The much-f?ted Takcs Quartet presents three popular string quartets from Czechoslovakia. Jancek's String Quartet No.1 was inspired by Leo Tolstoy's novella, The Kreutzer Sonata, which was in turn inspired by Beethoven's Violin Sonata No.9. Jancek's String Quartet No.2 was dedicated to his friendship with Kamila St?sslov, a married woman 38 years his junior with whom he exchanged over 700 letters. As the subtitle suggests, Smetana's String Quartet No.1 'From My Life' is semi-autobiographical and consists of sketches of periods from Smetana's life. All three works share narrative undercurrents that draw performances of gripping engagement from this elite group of players.

1. Allegro Vivo Appassionato 2. Allegro Moderato Alla Polka 3. Largo Sostenuto 4. Vivace 5. Adagio - Con Moto 6. Con Moto 7. Con Moto - Vivace - Andante 8. Con Moto - Adagio 9. Andante - Con Moto - Allegro 10. Adagio - Vivace - Andante - Presto - Allegro - Vivo - Adagio 11. Moderato - Adagio - Allegro 12. Allegro - Andante - Con Moto - Adagio - Tempo 1