The Strad Recommends: Ébène Quartet, Belcea Quartet: Octets

THE STRAD RECOMMENDS

The Strad Issue: April 2026

Description: Two A-lister quartets triumph in an unorthodox pairing

Musicians: Ébène Quartet, Belcea Quartet

Works: Enescu: Octet in C major. Mendelssohn: Octet in E flat major

Catalogue number: ERATO 217399729 

Mendelssohn’s Octet straight away sparkles with detail and delight, in the pulsing dynamics which shape the opening and the constant subtleties of phrasing, with a slight lift in one place and touches of rubato in another.

This is powerful, emotionally charged playing, but with tenderness as well: the chromatically coloured A flat section in the coda is gentle and reflective. The opening of the Andante is delicate and exquisite, the players seemingly reluctant to leave each note.

The last two movements go like the clappers: the Scherzo is clipped and precise, and the finale drives forwards, with both lightness and muscular expression. It races to its finish on a wave of joyful energy.

After the robust unison opening of Enescu’s Octet, with its potent dotted rhythms, the ensemble takes aim at the composer’s Romantic heart with some shameless portamentos in the first theme. There is swaying, seductive playing further on.

The second movement, très fougueux, bustles along splendidly, its spiky rhythms nicely etched. There are tender passages later before the dotted rhythm reappears. In the slow third movement beautiful lyrical weaving between the instruments is mostly contained within a muted dynamic compass.

The finale has elements of a slightly eccentric waltz, with its dashing quaver phrase shapes. This is a compelling performance of a complex and many-faceted work. The recording is clear and full.

TIM HOMFRAY