Faure: Piano Quartets Nos. 1 & 2
Performer: Domus Quartet
Piano: Susan Tomes
Violin: Krysia Osostowicz
Viola: Robin Ireland
Cello: Timothy Hugh
Label: Hyperion CDA20166 Limited Edition
Recording Date: February 25-26, 1985
Duration: 62:13
In the re-release of the Domus Quartet’s recording of Gabriel Faure’s Piano Quartets Nos. 1 in C minor, Op. 15 and No. 2 in G minor, Op. 45, we are presented with an opportunity not only to revisit a notable interpretation of these seminal works but also to reflect on Faure’s distinctive voice within the context of late Romanticism. This recording, originally issued in 1985 and now remastered for a limited edition, continues to resonate with a freshness that belies its age, underscored by the accolades it has garnered throughout its existence.
Faure stands as a figure of enigmatic poise among his French contemporaries. Unlike the extroverted tendencies of Debussy and Ravel, his compositions exhibit a preference for introspection and refinement. The Piano Quartets, while undeniably influenced by the likes of Saint-Saëns and César Franck, further illustrate Faure’s unique chromatic language and his masterful development of thematic material. The contrast between these quartets, despite the disparity in their opus numbers, reveals a remarkable consistency in their structural integrity and stylistic coherence.
The First Quartet, in C minor, is characterized by an intimate mood rather than a dramatic one. The opening movement, marked Allegro molto moderato, employs a deft interplay of motifs that, while they hint at deeper emotional currents, remain largely playful and buoyant. This quality is particularly evident in the interplay between Tomes’ piano and the strings—a hallmark of Faure’s writing that the ensemble captures splendidly. The ensuing Scherzo, lively and effervescent, serves as a refreshing contrast, leading into the poignant Adagio, where the performers tread a fine line between melancholy and serenity. The concluding Allegro molto returns to the light-heartedness established at the outset, offering a satisfying closure that underscores the quartet’s structural unity.
In contrast, the Second Quartet in G minor, often regarded as the more accomplished of the two, ventures into more complex territory. The piano’s role is particularly prominent, with Tomes navigating its intricate passages with remarkable agility and sensitivity. Here, Faure’s penchant for remote key relationships and melodic digressions can present a challenge for the listener, one that necessitates an attentive ear to follow the unfolding narrative. The first movement’s thematic development, richly chromatic and occasionally elusive, exemplifies Faure’s innovative counterpoint. In the hands of the Domus Quartet, this complexity is rendered with clarity, ensuring that even the most intricate passages remain engaging rather than bewildering.
The engineering of this recording merits discussion, as the acoustic of Rosslyn Chapel, where this performance was captured, imbues the ensemble’s sound with a warmth and resonance that enhances the textural nuances of Faure’s writing. The remastering process appears to have preserved this atmospheric quality while allowing for a remarkable clarity, particularly in the interplay of the piano and strings. Each instrument occupies its own distinct space in the soundstage, creating a cohesive yet spacious aural experience.
Historically, these quartets represent a pivotal moment in Faure’s oeuvre, bridging the gap between the more overtly dramatic works of his predecessors and the subtler, more introspective qualities that characterize his later compositions. They encapsulate the composer’s evolving language, wherein harmonic innovation dances alongside lyrical beauty, a duality that has long captivated audiences and performers alike.
In conclusion, the Domus Quartet’s interpretation of Faure’s Piano Quartets remains a significant contribution to the recorded repertoire. Their sensitivity to the music’s intricacies, coupled with the high-quality recording, allows listeners to appreciate the subtleties of Faure’s artistry fully. This limited edition reissue invites both seasoned admirers and newcomers to engage with the profound elegance of Faure’s chamber works, reaffirming his position as a master of understated sophistication in the canon of late Romantic music.
