Schumann: String Quartets Op 41 Nos 1 - 3. Fine Arts Quartet. Naxos 8.570151
Listening to the Fine Arts Quartet in the opening movement of the first of Schumanns three fine Op 41 string quartets, all composed in that annus mirabilis of chamber music, 1842, its impossible not to notice a certain ripeness both in their sound and in their overall approach, a ripeness that betrays the vintage of this American group, formed just after the last world war. If perhaps some of their mannerisms now seem old-fashioned - there are extravagances that most younger ensembles would surely disdain - the voice of experience tells in all three works, and who cares about the slightly laissez-faire attitude occasionally shown towards accuracy of tuning and ensemble. They are always wise to the this irrepressibly inventive musics ever-changing inner spirit, for instance drawing the full emotional effect from the luscious expressivity of the slow movement of Op 41 No 3 yet rejoicing equally in the blatant mischief of the catchy ritornello which punctuates that works exultant finale. A great bargain.
Stephen Pettitt © 2007
