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Kenneth Fuchs

String Quartet No. 5

String Quartet No. 5 (‘American’) embraces in sound and spirit the stylistic influences of the American symphonic school that dominate my orchestral scores. A broad and angular ‘American’ melodic theme unifies the entire four-movement composition; the voicing of the contrapuntal lines and resultant harmonies is open, suggesting space and distance. The music is alternately lyrical and playful, sometimes brusque and muscular, at times elegiac, and it is meant to suggest the resilience and brash optimism of the American spirit. Rigorous contrapuntal procedure is paramount in all of my musical compositions, perhaps no more so in the purity of the string quartet medium for which some of the most enduring music of the Western tradition has been composed. String Quartet No. 5 is an in-depth exploration of the contrapuntal possibilities inherent in the single ‘American’ melodic theme that is exposed by the first violin at the beginning of the work.’

-Kenneth Fuchs

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Movements

  1. Adagio semplice – Allegro giocoso – Poco agitato (l’istesso tempo) – Adagio misterioso
  2. Allegro agitato – Presto agitato
  3. Elegia: Lento cantabile – Allegro satirico (alla valzer) – Lento – Allegro satirico, poco agitato – Adagio lamentoso
  4. Allegro giocoso – Larghetto, poco misterioso – Allegro giocoso

Recorded at the Hit Factory, Miami, Florida, USA, on 23rd January, 2013.
Producer: Judith Sherman.
Engineer: Gustave Celis.
Editor: Jeanne Velonis.

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Reviews

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Warmly and sensitively played with beauty of tone, Cotik… captures the essence of Mozart in finely spun tone and sensitive contrasts in dynamics, rhythmic integrity, and clear phrasing. Their deeply felt rendition of this purest of music, from the carefree early sonatas to the more dramatic later opuses, is a model of transparency and genuine emotion.
STRINGS MAGAZINE
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My first chamber choice for the year.
MUSICWEB INTERNATIONAL Recordings Of The Year 2013
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With a broad and balanced sound and great technical ability, Cotik displays well-articulated phrases, with mood contrasts, and an individualized treatment…This version of Cotik is exuberant in its beauty and greatly inspired creativity.
Sonograma
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´What a Performance 2020´ Award Winner
THE ART MUSIC LOUNGE
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Cotik’s deep knowledge and prodigious technique allow him to make intentional, independent musical decisions without constraint.
Fanfare Magazine
“
The joyful virtuosity and stylish musicianship that Tomas Cotik and Tao Lin brought to their superb cycle of Schubert’s violin-and-piano works for the Centaur label happily permeate their cycle of Mozart’s sonatas
Gramophone Magazine
“
His amazing technical skill and artistic know-how…create an indelible interpretation of Bach’s music…Cotik’s combines impeccable technique and an intuitive artistry to fashion a mesmerizing interpretation of these pieces.
AUDIOPHILE AUDITION
“
These are exactly what you would expect from Cotik–tasteful and well played.
American Record Guide
“
The CD recording is his seventeenth in ten years, yet no sign of fatigue is evident when his passion for the material translates into performances of immense appeal…Cotik invests the material with so much life. Listening to him play is never less than a pleasure, and all twelve pieces are brought vividly and expressively to life.
Textura
“
Everyone who plays these works should hear these exemplary performances…you will never hear these Telemann Fantasias played so well
American Record Guide