We wind off the treatment of Scandinavian string quartets before WWI with the last quartet of Sibelius from 1909, and the last but one, the fifth, of Stenhammar, from 1910. Sibelius’ composition Quartet in D minor (opus 56) in five powerful parts is a very personal document, that was entitled ‘Voces Intimae’ (intimate voices) because of both the character of the music and personal considerations.
Also in 1909, Wilhelm Stenhammar spent a lot of time studying the ancient counterpoint, which he had never learned for want of a formal education. At the same time, he decided to look back until the 18th century. This is obvious in his Fifth String Quartet in C major, opus 25, with surname ‘Serenade’.
Jean Sibelius – String Quartet in D minor, opus 56 “Voces Intimae” (1909)
(1) Andante – Allegro molto moderato, (2) Vivace, (3) Adagio di molto, (4) Allegretto [ma pesante], (5) Allegro
Performing musicians: New Helsinki Quartet
CD: Fazer Records / Finlandia
Wilhelm Stenhammar – String Quartet in C major, opus 25 “Serenade” (1910)
(1) Allegro molto con spirito, (2) Ballata: Allegretto scherzando, (3) Scherzo: Allegro vivace, (4) Finale: Allegro molto
Performing musicians: Oslo String Quartet
CD: CPO
