Sergei Prokofiev - String Quartets; Visions fugitives (Quatuor Danel)

Information

Composer: Sergei Prokofiev

• String Quartet No. 1 in B Minor, op. 50
• String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, op. 92
• Visions Fugitives, op. 22

Quatuor Danel

    Marc Danel, violin

    Gilles Millet, violin

    Vlad Bogdanas, viola

    Yovan Markovitch, cello

Date: 2025

Label: Accentus Music

_____________________

Quatuor Danel, internationally celebrated for their interpretations of Shostakovich and Weinberg, present Sergei Prokofiev’s rarely heard string quartets in a stunning new recording. Prokofiev composed only two quartets, yet these works reveal his genius in crafting masterpieces within a genre he rarely explored.

The String Quartet No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 50, was commissioned by the Library of Congress during Prokofiev’s American tour in 1930. Its intricate textures and unconventional form, culminating in a poignant slow finale, showcase Prokofiev’s unique voice and meticulous attention to detail. String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Op. 92, composed during Prokofiev’s wartime exile in the Caucasus, integrates Kabardinian folk themes into a vibrant, classical framework. Its lively dances and evocative melodies demonstrate his ability to blend folklore with sophisticated artistry.

Completing the album is the Visions Fugitives, a series of fleeting miniatures originally written for piano and arranged for string quartet. This adaptation highlights Prokofiev’s kaleidoscopic tonal palette and lyrical depth.

Recorded in the Mendelssohn Hall of Leipzig’s Gewandhaus in March 2024, this album offers a deeply immersive journey into Prokofiev’s ‘closed world’ – a magical blend of drama, intimacy, and innovation that defines his chamber music legacy.

High Resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz