The Goldner String Quartet delivers a captivating performance in their 2014 album, "Pierné: Piano Quintet – Vierne: String Quartet," released under the Hyperion label. This album showcases two lesser-known yet enchanting pieces of French chamber music, composed by Gabriel Pierné and Louis Vierne.
The album opens with Pierné's Piano Quintet in E Minor, Op. 41, a work that begins with a striking piano ostinato, setting a melancholic yet tasteful tone. The Goldner String Quartet, accompanied by pianist Piers Lane, brings out the intricate details and emotional depth of this piece. The second movement, "Sur un rythme de Zortzico," adds a lively and rhythmic contrast, while the final movement, "Lent – Allegro vivo ed agitato," builds to a dramatic and exhilarating climax.
The second half of the album features Vierne's String Quartet in D Minor, Op. 12. This four-movement work is a testament to Vierne's compositional skill, blending romantic expressiveness with structural sophistication. The Goldner String Quartet's interpretation is both nuanced and powerful, from the introductory "Lento – Allegro agitato" to the final "Allegro vivace."
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes, this album is a delightful exploration of French chamber music, offering a blend of melancholy, rhythm, and drama. The Goldner String Quartet's impeccable playing and Piers Lane's sensitive piano accompaniment make this a standout release in the classical genre.
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