The Krasni Quartet starts with this CD a series that will comprise the complete string quartets of the Russian composer Vissarion Shebalin (1902-1963). Shebalin was considered one of the leading Russian composers of his generation, although his music never achieved particularly great popularity, either in Russia itself or abroad. He studied with Miaskofski in Moscow and became a teacher at that
… conservatory in 1935 and then, in 1942, director. Like the careers of his contemporaries Prokofiev and Shostakovich, Shebalin's career was also cut short by government opposition; he had to quit his job in Moscow in 1948. He wrote nine quartets in all. The "Quartet No. 1, Op.2" was completed over a 1924, but had already started before the composer traveled to Moscow to begin his studies. The work has a very French atmosphere, especially in the first two parts; the last part, which was produced under the supervision of Miaskofski, has a somewhat more neutral idiom. The "Quartet No. 2, Op.19" premiered in 1935, and is somewhat more mature. It is striking how tightly Shebalin adheres to the classical tonality, despite a few freer passages, which suggest a mild polytonality. The Quartet No. 3, Op.28 was completed four years later, in 1939. Like its predecessor, it has four parts, which are largely built up according to the classical form schemes. The musical content with its many Rachmaninov and Borodin-like passages clearly refers to the national Russian heritage. Shebalin's music is characterized by accurate workmanship, but perhaps lacks the sharpness of someone like Shostakovich or the sometimes sentimental warm-bloodedness of Kachaturian. In any case, the Krasni Quartet makes a good case for these pieces. (JvG) _more
