Review by Xiaowei Sung

The Schumann Quartett's latest album, Chiaroscuro, features an eclectic mix of composers spanning several centuries. From Bach and Mozart to Glass and Gershwin, the quartet showcases their versatility and skill in interpreting a wide range of styles.

The album begins with Bach's Contrapunctus IX from The Art of Fugue, which sets the tone for the rest of the album with its intricate harmonies and interweaving melodies. The quartet's precision and clarity are on full display in this piece, as well as in Mozart's String Quartet No. 19 in C Major, K. 465.

The quartet's interpretation of Medelssohn's String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 13 is particularly noteworthy. The piece, written when the composer was just 18 years old, is full of youthful energy and passion. The Schumann Quartett captures this spirit perfectly, bringing out the drama and intensity of the music.

The album also includes works by modern composers such as Glass and Shostakovich. Glass's String Quartet No. 3 is a haunting and atmospheric piece that showcases the quartet's ability to create a sense of tension and suspense. Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8, written in the aftermath of World War II, is a powerful and emotional work that the quartet handles with sensitivity and depth.

The album closes with pieces by Webern, Janáček, and Gershwin. Webern's Five Movements for String Quartet are a study in brevity and economy of expression, while Janáček's String Quartet No. 1, "Kreutzer Sonata," is a complex and emotionally charged work that the Schumann Quartett navigates with ease. The album ends on a high note with Gershwin's Lullaby, a sweet and gentle piece that provides a fitting conclusion to this diverse and engaging album.

Summary by Xiaowei Sung

Chiaroscuro is a triumph for the Schumann Quartett. Their technical proficiency and interpretive skill are on full display throughout the album, and their ability to move seamlessly between different styles and eras is impressive. This is a must-listen for fans of chamber music, and a testament to the enduring power of the string quartet.