SKU: BR.MR-1942

ISBN 9790004485385. 9 x 12 inches.

SKU: BO.B.3388

English comments:
A Bach for string quartet is another evocation of the past, in this case of J.S. Bach's works for violin. Written in 2004, it is a recreation of two of the most important movements in the series of Sonatas and Partitas: The Adagio of the third Sonata and the Prelude of the third Partita (BWV 1005 and 1006, respectively). Jordi Cervello was a violinist and, as such, it should come as no surprise that he once again makes use of compositions written for his instrument. The Adagio, here in common time (the original by Bach is in three-four time), keeps up the constant rhythmic figure of the dotted quaver and semi-quaver throughout the movement, with a calmness that is shrouded in mystery. The second movement, Preludiando, retains the same lively spirit as the original, but explores different moods. Moments of calm, vigour and even some dramatic points give it a new dimension thanks to the fact that it is written for a quartet and to Cervello's original treatment of harmony and counterpoint.

Comentarios del Espanol:
A Bach para cuarteto de cuerda es otra evocacion del pasado, en este caso de la obra para violin de J.S. Bach. Escrita el ano 2004, se trata de una recreacion de dos de los movimientos mas importantes de la serie de Sonatas y Partitas: El Adagio de la tercera Sonata y el Preludio de la tercera Partita (BWV 1005 y 1006 respectivamente). Jordi Cervello fue violinista y, como tal, no debe sorprender que una vez mas se sirva de material compositivo procedente de su instrumento. El Adagio, aqui en compas de cuatro (el original de Bach es de tres) conserva en todo el movimiento la constante figura ritmica de corchea con puntillo y semicorchea, dentro de un clima sereno pero rodeado de misterio. El segundo movimiento, Preludiando, conserva el mismo espiritu vivo del original, pero recorriendo diferentes estados de animo. Momentos de calma, de vigor e incluso dramaticos dan nueva dimension gracias a la escritura cuartetistica y al original tratamiento armonico y contrapuntistico de Cervello. A Bach se estreno en La Pedrera de Barcelona dentro del ciclo Celebracions de la Fundacio Caixa de Catalunya en el ano 2006 con el Quarteto Prometeo.

SKU: HL.370494

ISBN 9781705147009. UPC: 840126994025.

The First String Quartet in C major, Op. 37, was written in the autumn of 1917 and earned Szymanowski the first prize in a competition organized by the Ministry of Religious and in a competition organized by the Ministry of Religious and Educational Affairs in January 1922. The First String Quartet is notable for its clar and simple construction. The first movement is in the formof a sonata allegro; the Andantino semplice (in modo iuna canzone) in the middle is a cross between ternary and variation form. The final Scherzando alla burlesca also keeps to the form of a sonata allegro. The combinations and proportions of formal factors and the treatment of thematic material betray a fairly conventional adoption of classical models. Similarly, the expressive and structural use of melodic material shows a respect for traditional norms. Szymanowski created, in other works from the same period, his own individual type of melodic line, which was strongly expressive and achieved its effect chiefly by its tonal qualieties; nevertheless in this Quartet he returns to a fluid, cantilena-like, symmetrically shaped melodic line, which runs along in broad phrases of a concentrated, reflective character. Melody becomes the chief factor in the development of the form, both in thematic usage and in the application of a more polyphonic texture. Harmonic and tonal means are considerably simplified in the Quartet []. Most of the writing is linear, or horizontal, with individual treatment of each part, the parallel continuation of the four sound planes, almost a matter of principle. The functions of the particular instruments in realizing these planes are constantly changing,which accounts for the even greater variedy of tone-colour. The decision to forego experiment with forms and sonorities is reflectedin the overall approach to musical expression. The predominant atmosphere of restrained emotion, quiet lyricism and serenity is strongly suggestive of classical aestetic models. (Based on Zofia Helman Commentary on Szymanowski Complete Edition, Vol. B6) (II) The ''Second String Quartet'' represents an interesting attempt to revert to classical form coupled with the new harmonic and tonal vocabulary worked out previously in the ''Slopiewnie'', ''Stabat Mater'' and ''Mazurkas''. It was also the first time the composer had used folk elements in the framework of a major classical form. The ''Second String Quartet'' is in a special category among Szymanowski's works. Though it dates from the composer was still occupied with folk music, it nevertheless shows him returning to classical models, but at the same time using an aesthetic of subjective expression, which gives the work its own individual stamp. The ''Second String Quartet'' synthesis of the various directions in which Szymanowski was attempting to develop. The sonority and texture used in the first.