Franz Schmidt(1874-1939)

[lunar22]

A fine tribute to Schmidt on his 150th anniversary would be a new recording of his string quartets, being this Nimbus CD the only one that with good sound and has both quartets. This music is interesting and it grows on you with repeated listens.

I agree, although I would say the two string quartets are very different in character. The first--probably my absolute favourite string quartet in the entire repertoire -- is very much Beethoven based with more interesting chromatic harmony and unforgettable melodies. The second is more diffuse and at times seems to be exploring chromaticism almost for its own sake. Although interesting, I feel it's possibly his weakest chamber work, though the small output is of a uniformly high standard with the A major clarinet quintet again being quite exceptional.

[lunar22]

the best complete cycle is for me clearly Rajter -- only he really consistently brings the necessary love and warmth to this repertoire even if there is the occasional miscalculation like the sluggish finale to no. 3. No.4 does have some competition -- Mehta's is possibly the greatest thing he ever did and the Moralt is also very moving in a work where I've heard some really terrible performances (Welser-Möst is just one of them)