Leos Janacek: String Quartet No. 1 "Kreutzer Sonata" / String Quartet No. 2 "Intimate Letters" / Violin Sonata - Prazak Quartet / Vaclav Remes / Sachiko Kayahara
Janácek's two string quartets are without question the most exiting pieces of their type composed this century, and they are certainly among the most enjoyable. Both have strong programmatic components. The First Quartet was inspired by Tolstoy's story "The Kreutzer Sonata," a passionate protest against the maltreatment of women. The Second Quartet, subtitledIntimate Letters, describes the composer's love affair with a woman 38 years his junior (it was a one-sided love; she was happily married and apparently totally confused by Jan´cek's attentions). Both works are superbly performed by the Panocha Quartet, one of the finest string quartets in the world. This music belongs in every collection. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.--David Hurwitz