https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tHtYp--EDM
I love listening to performances from different eras, they put into perspective playing habits or interpretive tendencies that we have today. In the case of the Galimir Quartet, we have a direct line to Ravel himself when we listen to their 1934 Paris recording. Ravel himself worked closely with the group and helped shape their interpretation. What strikes me is the incredible clarity of the voicing and the pure style of playing, which is still intensely expressive. The main voices and motifs are always heard very distinctly. The harmonic colours are still played clearly but very transparently. It is inspiring to hear their incredible precision, perfectly matched vibratos and balanced harmonic voices, at a time when I imagine not many takes were possible. For me it is both deeply expressive and totally unsentimental. It is best to listen to them ( not read my words!) on the link above. Having a direct link to a composer's ideas in this way, is really valuable.
The Galimir quartet as it was in this recording disbanded in 1936. Felix Galimir and his three sisters (imagine the fights!) Adrienne (second violin), Renée (viola) and Marguerite formed their quartet in 1927 to mark the centenary of Beethoven's death. They were coached by Simon Pullman in Vienna, who Felix later said was one of the most important musical mentors in his career. Pullman encouraged them to get to know the best contemporary music of the time. The quartet gained an international reputation ( they also made the first recording of Berg's Lyric Suite) but they were all forced to leave Vienna, due to their Jewish heritage and the worsening political situation. Felix Galimir left as early as 1936 . He was forced to leave the Vienna Philharmonic because of the harassment he received at work, and they all four ended up, by circuitous routes, in the US, where they made their home. Felix went on to reform the quartet with other players. He also had a career leading different orchestras and teaching at Juilliard, Curtis and Mannes, and was also a mainstay at Marlboro Music Festival. About his sisters I can find very little information, and this is rather sad. If anybody studied with one of them, or has information about these three very talented women, do post it!
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