The A minor Quartet dates from 1921, when Moeran was a pupil of John Ireland at the Royal College of Music. It's an enormously fluent, folksong- inspired creation, full of Ravelian poise; indeed the last movement of the three (an exhilarating rondo) owes much to the finale of the French master's F major Quartet. The Maggini Quartet accords the piece wonderfully assured, flexible advocacy. The E flat Quartet, discovered among Moeran's papers after his death, appears to be another early effort. It's cast in just two movements, the second of which is an ambitious linked slow movement and finale, full of ambition and tender fantasy, and containing some truly magical inspiration along the way.
Perhaps this movement's intrepid thematic and emotional diversity engendered sufficient niggling doubts in Moeran's mind for him to suppress the whole work. Certainly, in a performance as convinced and convincing as this, its melodic fecundity and unpretentious, out-ofdoors charm will endear it to many.
That leaves the masterly String Trio of 1931, which, in its impeccable craft, rhythmic pungency (the opening Allegretto giovale is in 7/8), gentle sense of purpose and unerring concentration (above all in the deeply felt slow movement), represents one of Moeran's finest achievements. The Magginis reveal a relish for Moeran's exquisitely judged part-writing and give an admirably polished, affectionate rendering.
Sound and balance are excellent throughout this enterprising, hugely enjoyable collection.
Works
Moeran: String Quartet No. 1 in A minor
Moeran: String Quartet No. 2 in E flat major
Moeran: String Trio in G major (1931), R.59
Groups & Artists
Maggini Quartet
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