Emerson String Quartet - Sergei Prokofiev: String Quartets Nos.1 & 2, Sonata for 2 Violins (1992)

Serge Prokofiev does not come to mind as a string quartet writer but his two attempts in that form are interesting and engaging works. The First Quartet was written on a commission from the Library of Congress for their chamber music concerts in 1930. The quartet became the last work of Prokofiev to be premiered in the West.

Both of the Quartets are in three movements. The First Quartet is characterized by catchy melodies and quick tempi in the first two movements concluded with an introspective Andante that remains inward looking until the quartet quietly concludes. The Sonata for Two Violins, from 1932, is cast in four short movements and is more typically caustic for Prokofiev that the First Quartet. After a brief and quiet introduction, the violins engage in a sharp exchange in the second movement. The third movement returns to the introspection of the first and the Allegro con brio finale is a happy duel between the violinists that becomes more lyrical.

Prokofiev's final quartet was written in 1941 after he had been evacuated during the Second World War. The Second Quartet was based on Caucasian melodies. The quartet is simply written and appealing. The first movement has some beautiful melodious and the second, an Adagio, is wonderfully animated particularly in the play of instruments in the pizzicato section. The final movement is based on a dance tune that brings the quartet to a brilliant conclusion.

The Emerson Quartet plays the Sonata and the Quartets beautifully and while these may not be among the best of Prokofiev's works they are richly textured and melodic. The recording is nicely balance and clear. An interesting disc if you are interested in Prokofiev and string quartets.