This latest addition to the Vlach Quartet of Prague’s Dvorak series for Naxos by and large maintains the generally favourable impression left by previous instalments that have come my way (4/96 and 9/96). Outer movements of Op. 51 are nicely paced, and the playing has plenty of affection and elegance. To my mind, though, the “Dumka” and “Romanza” are taken too slowly (both share the marking of Andante con moto); the latter movement in particular tends to lose its way a little, while the more reflective episodes in the former are apt to sag just a touch.
Fortunately, the great A flat major Quartet brings fewer reservations. Again, the performance is gentle and unhurried, a little sleepy and wanting in crackling expectancy, perhaps, in the Adagio ma non troppo introductory paragraph as well as the ensuing Molto vivace scherzo. The sublime slow movement, on the other hand, certainly has the requisite songful rapture and inner feeling, and the finale, too, is eminently satisfying in its quietly purposeful, amiable manner.
For those wanting this particular coupling, I’d personally say the altogether more characterful Lindsays on ASV are well worth the extra money. However, anyone following the present cycle needn’t hesitate. Decent, reasonably truthful sound.'