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THE SIX STRING QUINTETS 45
In its forty-five year history, the Talich Quartet, which
performs all over the world, has included a number of
prestigious Czechmusicians.
Talich. The very name conjures up the banks of the Moldau, much loved by
Smetana and the residents of Prague. Jan Talich, who founded the quartet in
1964, is the nephew of Vaclav Talich, who conducted the Czech Philharmonic
Orchestra between 1919 and 1939, achieving giddy heights even before the
baton was handed over to Karel Ančerl.
In 1970, Jan Talich handed over the reins to the great violinist Petr Messiereur.
Alongside the founder on the viola, the quartet comprised Petr Messiereur
and Jan Kvapil on violins and Evzen Rattay on the cello. With this new line-
up, the ensemble achieved great success with a national, international and
contemporary repertoire.
Its back catalogue includes the complete sets of Mozart and Beethoven’s
string quartets, Mozart’s string quintets and string quartets by others
including Smetana and Janáček.
Taking on the legendary name, the new generation Talich Quartet has been
in existence since 1997, when it was given renewed impetus by Jan Talich
Jr. It gives concerts worldwide and is still considered to be one of the best
contemporary quartets.
The musical style, approach and philosophy of the Talich
Quartet are revealed in its international award-winning
back catalogue.
www.talichquartet.com