Dvorak: String Quintets, String Quartets opp. 34 & 96

CD1

1. 1. Allegro Non Tanto 
2. 2. Scherzo: Allegro Vivo 
3. 3. Larghetto 
4. 4. Allegro Giusto 
5. 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo 
6. 2. Lento 
7. 3. Molto Vivace 
8. 4. Vivace Ma Non Troppo 

CD2

1. 1. Allegro 
2. 2. Alla Polka - Allegretto Scherzando 
3. 3. Adagio 
4. 4. Finale: Poco Allegro 
5. 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo 
6. 2. Andante Con Moto - Dumka 
7. 3. Molto Vivace - Scherzo: Furiant 
8. 4. Finale: Allegro

‘Czechs live by music!’
This aphorism that so aptly describes the work of his compatriot Dvořák comes in fact from the pen of Smetana. It is particularly relevant for the Quartet op. 34, composed in 1877, during the period just after Dvořák had discovered Slavonic folklore; the composition is directly linked to the creation of the Prague Chamber Music Society. The Quintet with piano op. 81 appeared ten years later – and what work could better illustrate – and so beautifully – the benefits reaped by the composer from his creative retreat in the heart of the Bohemian countryside?