The Strad Recommends: Chiaroscuro Quartet: Beethoven

THE STRAD RECOMMENDS

The Strad Issue: April 2026

Description: A stellar quartet breathes new life into mighty middle-period Beethoven

Musicians: Chiaroscuro Quartet

Works: Beethoven: String quartets ‘Rasumovsky’: no.7 in F major op.59 no.1, no.8 in E minor op.59 no.2

Catalogue number: BIS BIS-2688 (SACD)

Having completed surveys of op.18 and a couple of later quartets, the Chiaroscuro now loops back and takes on the first two of the ‘Rasumovsky’ Quartets. Without wishing to resort to nationalist stereotypes, you might expect someone whose names ends ‘-ova’ to be right at home in a group of works liberally sprinkled with thèmes russes, and so this instalment proves.

Alina Ibragimova leads performances that are not only innately idiomatic but also notable for the integration of the four players into a true chamber ambience – no showboating for this leader. From the irresistible lift they impart to the chugging opening of op.59 no.1 to a finale of no.2 that dances rather than gallops, the ear is continually drawn anew to details of these interpretations.

The low-vibrato approach at times makes the sustained intensity of slow movements resemble rich organ laments but also – in, say, the scampering scherzo of the F major Quartet – gives sforzandos and sudden fortissimos a real sting.

The group captures well the contrasting atmospheres of the two works: at the outset of the E minor all trace of the previous quartet’s geniality is instantly swept away and replaced with something seemingly more epic and far-seeing, although without sacrificing any of the warmth that comes from the inner voices.

With a natural approach to tempos and rubato and sparkling engineering, these are readings that copiously reward repeated listening.

DAVID THREASHER