LDV109.1_FLIPBOOK

THE SIX STRING QUINTETS 41

This provides a greater understanding of the tense and seldom serene

atmosphere of both Quintets, particularly the second. Yet, stimulated by

the possibilities in writing for five bows, Wolfgang Amadeus innovated

in a great many ways: the enhanced, nearly independent, role of the cello,

featured at the very beginning of the

KV515

; the deconstruction of the sonata

form; its unusual thematic construction (the first theme of

KV516

runs for

29 measures); and its slow and lengthy introduction of the final rondo of the

2nd Quintet.

This

richness

particularly

highlighted by the Talich: the

clarity of the sound planes, the

sheer virtuosity of each player (the

first violin, the violists, the cello!)

and obscure beauty of the tones

decipher these two scores while

preserving their lyricism and

drama.