Ruperto Chapí - String Quartets #3 & 4

[Sharkkb8]

The first two quartets, played by the Cuarteto Latinamericano, were discussed on this forum, but many years ago.  (the discussion centered largely on whether our ol' friend Mr. Hurwitz was guilty of hyperbole - yes, that again  ).  In any case the third and fourth quartets are nearly here, from the same ensemble, on the same label, Sono Luminus.  Presto shows cd available 11 Feb, Amazon (at first glance) appears to show download only.

Presto:  "Ruperto Chapí's String Quartet No. 3 could well be subtitled Tragic Quartet. Here's a work of a stormy nature, containing atmospheres of drama, anguish and loneliness. Out of the four quartets written by the composer, this is perhaps the one which has the least Spanish features."

Presto:  https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9306374--ruperto-chapi-string-quartets-3-4

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09QHBDBYZ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3448AS6FDN7NR&keywords=Chap%C3%AD%3A+String+Quartets+Nos.+3+%26+4&qid=1643510553&s=music&sprefix=chap%C3%AD+string+quartets+nos.+3+%26+4%2Cpopular%2C260&sr=1-2

Amazon USA:  https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B09QH6XGC6/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2WV0EHUE34BEJ&keywords=chapi+string+quartets&qid=1643509966&sprefix=chapi+string+quartets%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-4

[semloh]

Thanks, Sharkkb8. This will be interesting!

[Ilja]

I fully support Mr. H's endorsement of Chapí's quartets, and having just taken in the 3rd and 4th on Spotify, I think these are even better.

Contrary to his orchestral works, which he mostly wrote at the start of his career, these date from his later years, in which he concentrated mainly on the writing of dramatic music (mostly Zarzuelas). They show a surprising degree of skill and control, considering these are Chapí's only chamber works (AFAIK). I found them tremendously joyful, energetic and satisfying.


Edit: I was wrong; there is the Recuerdo de Gaztambide, or "Recollection of [Zarzuela composer Joaquin] Gaztambide: A grand pot-pourri fantasia on motifs from his best works, composed for the literary-musical evening dedicated to his memory on the 15th anniversary of his death" for piano and string sextet, as well as an unfinished Piano Trio in D (started 1877). And of course, he produced collections of songs from his zarzuelas, operas, and operettas, set for voice + piano.