Janáček: String Quartets Nos 1 & 2

Following several ventures into international repertoire, here, after a hiatus of six years, is exclusive Supraphon ensemble Škampa Quartet bringing out its long-awaited new recording of Czech music.The two string quartets of Leoš Janáček (1854 - 1928) have been regarded as touchstones testing the qualities of every Czech quartet formation, the reason why more than a few of them needlong years of maturing before they prove to be up to the task. This has also been the case of the Škampa Quartet. Now finally, the players' awe in the face of this pair of seemingly indomitable jewels of chamber music has been overcome, and here they are, leaving it up to the listener to judge the approach to Janáček chosen by the present-day young generation of Czech musicians, technically flawless, self-confident, dynamic and well travelled round the concert circuit. In view of the experience with the Škampa's previous projects, one thing can be taken for granted: namely, that the ensemble's rendition of Janáček is anything but bland and lustreless. In fact, its pride and daring enhances and multiplies the proverbial originality of Janáček's music.