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February 13, 2012
The St. Petersburg String Quartet
“ . . . the players of the St. Petersburg String Quartet belong to a very different, younger generation and talk much more freely about their problems and accomplishments. When I met them, I found that the cellist, Leonid Shukaev, and the second violinist, Ilya Teplyakov, spoke enough English to communicate directly with me and to translate for the other two players. This made for a fascinating conversation, though listening for the full meaning behind their words required an imaginative and empathetic ear.
I caught the players for the first time on a whirlwind visit to New York during a February cold spell that must have made them feel right at home. It was the start of what would prove to be a busy year for the quartet in this country—their schedule listed nearly 50 concerts from coast to coast. Their reason for coming to New York was the launching of their first recording on Sony Classical. Having already heard the record, which features the complete Tchaikovsky quartets, I knew that here was an arrestingly talented, promising group of high seriousness and dedication.
The Russians have always been famous for a school of string playing, especially violin playing, distinguished by its singularly pure, beautiful sound and flawless technique. It seems to me that they are now also cultivating a school of quartet playing no less impeccable, both in terms of individual instrumental command and homogeneity of sound, intonation, ensemble, and expression. The St. Petersburg’s tone is dark and warm, capable of nuance and variety. Their rhythm and pacing are supple and flexible; they take over lines and phrases seamlessly. Yet despite their technical perfection, they are not careful or inhibited but vibrantly human, with a youthful exuberance and romantic passion.”
By Van Vinikow
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