FERDINAND RIES (1784-1838): String Quartets, Vol. 2 - No. 2 in G, Op. 70/2, No. 20 in F Minor, WoO 48.

Catalogue Number: 03J045
Label: CPO
Reference: 777 227
Format: CD
Price: $15.98
Description: Having said two years ago when the first volume came out that the Beethovenian aspects of Ries' symphonies are not found in his chamber music, I have to say that the dancing, spritely finale of Op. 70/2 reminds one of the Spring sonata. This work of 1815 immediately sounds like an old friend (which is usually a good sign). The companion is Ries' last quartet of all, composed in 1835 and in an unusual, five-movement form, is still firmly in the, by then, outdated Classical style (which is why it went unpublished), but will richly satisfy collectors of that period. Schuppanzigh Quartet.