Composer: Arnold Bax
Works: String Quartet No. 1 (1918), String Quartet No. 2 (1925)
Performers: Maggini Quartet
Recording: 19-21 Dec 1999, Potton Hall, Suffolk
Label: NAXOS 8.555282
Arnold Bax, a pivotal figure in British music during the early 20th century, is often overshadowed by his contemporaries. His String Quartets—particularly the First, composed during the tumultuous final year of the Great War, and the Second, emerging in the mid-1920s—reflect significant stylistic shifts and emotional depths. The Maggini Quartet’s recording presents these contrasting works with a refreshing clarity that invites both seasoned listeners and newcomers to explore the intricate textures and rich emotional landscapes that define Bax’s oeuvre.
The First String Quartet is a delightful surprise given its historical context. Written amidst the backdrop of war, it exudes a sense of buoyancy and vitality, as if the composer sought refuge in the beauty of melody and rhythm. The Maggini Quartet expertly navigates this sunny disposition, infusing the outer movements with an authentic Wienerisch lilt, characterized by a playful buoyancy that is both infectious and uplifting. The Rondo, in particular, features one of the most exquisite themes in Bax’s catalog—a melody that lingers in the air long after the music has ceased. Their interpretation breathes life into the score, with subtle dynamic contrasts that enhance the inherent joyfulness of the piece. The recording quality is excellent, capturing the acoustic warmth of Potton Hall, which serves to amplify the quartet’s vibrant sound palette.
In stark contrast, the Second Quartet presents a more complex narrative. Composed concurrently with Bax’s Second Symphony, it reflects the composer’s evolving aesthetic—moving towards greater vertical complexity and harmonic intricacy. While the Maggini Quartet conveys the intricate interplay between the instruments with commendable precision, the work’s density can pose challenges for immediate comprehension. The performance here is marked by a meticulous attention to detail; however, it lacks the accessible melodic appeal that characterizes the First Quartet. The interwoven lines often recall the music of Eugene Goossens, highlighting a shared modernist sensibility that, while rewarding, demands more from the listener. The sound engineering maintains clarity throughout the complexity, ensuring that the tonal shifts and intricate counterpoint remain intelligible.
Comparisons to other recordings, notably those available on Chandos, reveal the Maggini’s unique approach to these quartets. While Chandos couples the First Quartet with Bax’s Piano Quintet—an equally significant work—this Naxos release stands out for its focused exploration of the quartets in isolation. The liner notes by Lewis Foreman provide a scholarly yet accessible context, enriching the listening experience with insights into Bax’s compositional landscape.
The Maggini Quartet’s interpretation of Bax’s String Quartets is both a celebration of the composer’s melodic genius and a testament to his more challenging explorations. The First Quartet resonates with warmth and exuberance, while the Second invites deeper engagement with its intricate structures. This recording not only serves as an essential addition to the Bax discography but also promises to illuminate the composer’s legacy for a new generation of listeners. The anticipation of future recordings, particularly the Maggini’s forthcoming Third Quartet, underscores the significance of this ensemble’s undertaking in bringing Bax’s music to life.
