SULKHAN TSINTSADZE (1925-1991): String Quartet No. 10 “Polyphonical”, 6 Miniatures, NODAR GABUNIA (1933-2000): String Quartet No. 2.

Description: Two substantial quartets in a readily accessible idiom, with considerable originality and a clear national character. Tsintsadze's 10th begins with an agitated contrapuntal movement with lyrical episodes, proceeds to a strongly folk-influenced slow movement full of unusual textures, then a lively scherzo, featuring folk idioms - rustic dances in this case - and a noble slow finale, anguished but resolute. His Miniatures are delightful evocations folk melodies and performance techniques, witty, tuneful and colorful. Gabunia's 2nd is similar in idiom, likewise very tonal and full of folk inflections and creative textures like the col legno accompaniment to a lovely, keening melody in the first movement. The second movement is tranquil and songlike, with unexpected outbursts of passion, and the finale anxiously scurries to an abrupt, ambiguous conclusion. Georgian State String Quartet.