Caetani String Quartets

[petershott@btinternet.com]

I'm forever on the lookout for string quartets that I've never encountered. And, oh golly, I noticed this morning that Brilliant Classics (on November 18) will be releasing a recording by the young (but hugely talented) London based Alauda Quartet of the two string quartets by Roffredo Caetani.

Now that's a quite new one for me, and the CD was promptly ordered. The two quartets were composed turn of the century, and a quick look at the literature suggests they might well be interesting. Anyone acquainted with them?

There is also a Piano Quintet which goes straight on my wish list. I'm aware that Brilliant released a disc a couple of years ago of Caetani's piano music (which includes a sonata), but I don't know the disc. And I don't suppose Caetani is related to the conductor of that name?

[Alan Howe]

Yes, they are related: Roffredo's niece, Topazia Caetani, married the conductor-composer Igor Markevitch, whose son took his mother's name and is known as Oleg Caetani. (Information from IMSLP).

[Alan Howe]

This is the forthcoming CD, by the way:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Caetani-String-Quartets-Alauda-Quartet/dp/B01LXUA92O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477651775&sr=8-1&keywords=caetani+string+quartets

[eschiss1]

I look forward to the CD- I remember skimming the music of the quartets and quintet as uploaded by Sibley Music Library prior to mirroring it for IMSLP. Looked interesting. So did the orchestral and other works available...

[mikehopf]

Caetani's opera Hypatia is available on youtube.

[mikehopf]

From Cobbett's Survey of Chamber Music ( 1963 ed.)

Dr Altmann ( Handbuch)  speaks of Caetani's first quartet as written in the manner of Liszt's symphonic poems, in one long diffuse movement, showing intimate knowledge of fugal form. In his second quartet, dramatic and lyrical themes are effectively contrasted. There is no scherzo, and the finale is slightly coloured by Slav influence. Dr Altmann , without recommending these works for public performance, considers them useful for dilettante players.

[mikehopf]

There is also a piano trio in D, Op.5

[Alan Howe]

After all these years I finally decided to purchase the CD of the two String Quartets. And I must say that this is a very distinguished recording, featuring the wonderful Alauda Quartet who play with pure intonation and great commitment in these works - which are world premiere recordings.
The works themselves, the Quartet in D written in 1888 when the composer was 17 and the mature Quartet in F minor from 1907, are major statements: the earlier in one continuous 32½-minute movement is fairly conventional in tone but holds the attention through the brilliance of its writing, whereas the later (in three movements lasting 28:28) is noticeably more advanced in its use of chromaticism and texture. The latter is an extremely attractive and sophisticated piece.
Here's a review:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2016/Dec/Caetani_quartets_95198.htm
..also here:
https://www.talkclassical.com/threads/caetani-string-quartet-2-op-12-sq-review.85822/
More information here: https://www.editionsilvertrust.com/caetani-string-quartet1.htm
...and here: https://www.editionsilvertrust.com/caetani-string-quartet2.htm

As I said, a most distinguished recording of fine, unfamiliar music. Very satisfying.