The Leonkoro Quartet, a young ensemble founded in Berlin in 2019, has rapidly gained acclaim in the UK, notably securing first prize and nine special awards at the 2022 Wigmore Hall international string quartet competition. Their latest release, Out of Vienna, delves into the rich musical landscape of Vienna around the Great War, showcasing a fiercely alert interpretation of works by Alban Berg, Anton Webern, and Erwin Schulhoff.
Exploring Viennese Modernism
This album serves as a vivid exploration of the cutting-edge musical styles that defined Vienna in the early 20th century. The quartet captures the prewar fault lines in the city's music scene, offering listeners a glimpse into the innovative and often turbulent artistic environment of the time.
Berg's Lyric Suite
Alban Berg's Lyric Suite, a fervent outpouring dedicated to his mistress, is rendered with moody sensuality by the Leonkoro Quartet. The performance is intense and intricate, with the Andante Amoroso section swooning beautifully and the Allegro Misterioso tiptoeing on muted strings. The Presto Delirando is delivered with unflinching energy, seething with imaginative detail that brings the music's coital intensity to life.
Webern's Pioneering Works
Anton Webern's Five Pieces from 1909, effectively the first atonal string quartet, are presented with astonishing maturity and expressivity. The quartet highlights the composer's dynamic variety and breadth of imagination, making this a standout interpretation. Additionally, the Langsamer Satz from 1905 offers a rare glimpse into Webern's more romantic side, representing a musical path not fully taken in his later works.
Schulhoff's Quirky Interlude
Spliced between the Berg and Webern pieces, Erwin Schulhoff's Five Pieces act as a palate cleanser with their quirky suite style. This work runs the gamut from a slyly sent-up Viennese waltz to a louche Argentine tango, showcasing the Czech-born composer's embrace of absurdist phases in his career. The playing here is top-tier, complemented by excellent recorded sound that enhances the listening experience.
Overall, Out of Vienna by the Leonkoro Quartet is a masterful album that not only pays homage to Viennese modernism but also demonstrates the quartet's technical prowess and deep emotional engagement with the music. It is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts seeking a fresh perspective on this pivotal era.
