Vol. 1:
String quartet no. 4
Piano quintet no. 1
String quartet no. 7
AP0019, DDD 61'11"

Vol. 2:
String quartet no. 2
String quartet no. 3
String quartet no. 6
AP0020, DDD 57'28"

Vol. 3:
String quartet no. 1
String quartet no. 5
Piano quintet no. 2
AP0021, DDD 58'16"

Wyk: "Amar Corde" Quartet: Barbara Stuhr - 1st violin, Bogusława Ziegelheim - 2nd violin, Beata Płoska - viola, Agata Zając - cello, Waldemar Malicki - piano
Acte Préalable 1999

Acte Préalable has released three CDs comprising Grażyna Bacewicz’s complete works for string quartet: seven quartets and two piano quintets. This first recording of the outstanding composer’s entire set of quartets gives a full picture of her stylistic development, interesting not only for experts. There are passages which should satisfy beginner listeners (2nd and 3rd Quartets), and those appreciated by connoisseurs of 20th century avant-garde (6th Quartet), whereas the 4th Quartet could become a real concert hall hit, were it only performed more frequently. The interpretation of the latter work reveals all the characteristics of the four ladies’ play: It is a definitely feminine performance, and the listener may wish the melodic contour were a little more distinct, the rhythm - more resolute, the sound - more palpable. These desired elements are brought in by the pianist Waldemar Malicki in both quintets, where he skilfully avoids the traps of the difficult virtuoso piano part.