Fesca string quartets, vol. 2 from cpo

[Sharkkb8]

Volume 1 of Friedrich Ernst Fesca's string quartets appeared in 2013 from cpo, and then seemed to become one of those uncompleted series that frequently draws grumbling.  But now, vol. 2 is on the horizon, apparently without the trademark cpo cover with the "frame" around the outside.  Amaryllis Quartet - Amazon UK & USA show it to be released 8 Jan.  Not at yet Presto, it appears.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08PNRPGFZ/ref=dm_ws_sp_ps_dp

https://smile.amazon.com/String-Quartets-2-Amaryllis-Quartett/dp/B08NDT5GJM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1608081859&refinements=p_32%3AAmaryllis+Quartett&s=music&sr=1-1

"Since Friedrich Ernst Fesca, the father of Alexander Fesca, had received an excellent education as a violinist, it is not surprising that his masterfully elaborated string quartets contributed significantly to the establishment of his outstanding reputation as a composer. Until 1818 he published a total of twelve quartets, and two others followed in 1819 and then again in 1824-25. For a decade Fesca was one of the most-reviewed quartet composers, and it is documented that he was one of the most performed such composers for an even longer period of time. On Vol. 2 the quality and originality of his string quartets again are revealed above all in the balance with which he combines mellow harmony, contrapuntal expertise, and formally integrated virtuosity. The eight quartets are interpreted by the Amaryllis Quartet, which at the very latest since its triumph with the finalists prize at the Premio Paolo Borciani in Reggio Emilia in 2011 has numbered among the leading string quartets of its generation. Pearls for friends of chamber music who delight in discovery!"

[eschiss1]

even more weirdly, not listed at jpc. Maybe they're mistaken about its being a cpo product?

[Sharkkb8]

even more weirdly, not listed at jpc. Maybe they're mistaken about its being a cpo product?

That was precisely my first reaction, as I also noticed its absence at jpc.  So I then looked around a bit and found a few completely independent reviews/blogposts, whose authors, rightly or wrongly, say that it's volume 2 from cpo.  Ditto from hbdirect.com.  These few independent references are hardly dispositive about the question, I guess we'll just have to see, as it plays out and as more mentions come to light.  Or perhaps other listees know the answer?

https://www.hbdirect.com/album/2599010-friedrich-ernst-fesca-1789-1826-complete-string-quartets-vol-1-diogenes-quartett.html

https://classicalmjourney.blogspot.com/2019/10/friedrich-ernst-fesca-string-quartets.html

[Sharkkb8]

The sale listing at hbdirect also says cpo.  But the combination of not appearing on jpc and the lack of the usual cover design leads me to believe there's a fly in the ointment somewhere.

https://www.hbdirect.com/album/4115195-friedrich-ernst-fesca-1789-1826-complete-string-quartets-vol-2-amaryllis-quartett.html

[Sharkkb8]

(just added a question mark to the subject line)   

[semloh]

See; https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CX%207483

[Sharkkb8]

thanks, semloh.  I downloaded the booklet (haven't read it yet) but it is clearly a cpo product.  They obvs did discard their usual "frame" design on the cover.  But I removed the question mark from the subject line.   

[semloh]

I loved Vol.1. The quartets are delightful.
I wonder why it's a different ensemble this time. I have no idea of their respective history or standing, but hopefully the Amaryllis Qt. will be as good as the Diogenes. 

[eschiss1]

To my knowledge their discography has mostly mixed German/Austrian classics and modern works (eg Geza Frid), so far.

[Sharkkb8]

The quartets are delightful.

And this is a 4-disc set, so, with any luck, a sizable portion of delight!

A quick scan of his Wikipedia page yields evidence of Fesca being yet another child musical prodigy, and sadly, yet another composer who was taken too soon.  He showed precociousness on the piano as a child, and was appointed as first violinist of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra at the age of 15.  He died of consumption at 37. 

[eschiss1]

(Edit: no, I don't think I saw it on Presto. I see that it's been issued January 8 2021 from cpo, though. I'll look at presto and other places...)
Actually, Presto gives the same release date as cpo in this case.