The inclusion of the familiar Fruhlingsstimmen (‘Voices of Spring’) provides a handy way for anyone unfamiliar with the concept to assess the merits and limitations of these reductions of Viennese dances for a string quartet of two violins, viola and double-bass. The basic harmonies are intact, and the melodic line gains extra significance; but the lack of wind colouring inevitably removes some of the contrasts of a full orchestra. In short, the effect is somewhat akin to a black and white print from a colour original. The playing here is admirably cultured, lithe and spirited, if perhaps lacking that ultimate lilt that the Boskovsky Ensemble managed when it recorded Lanner’s lovely Marien-Walzer some 30-odd years ago.
The particular interest of the present collection lies in unfamiliar items not just from the Strausses and Joseph Lanner but from some more peripheral composers who are far too often overlooked. Lanner Junior’s Op. 1 and Ziehrer’s lively Vinea-Galopp (incorrectly titled in the track listings) are particularly attractive offerings. Otherwise there is typical delicacy in the opening waltz by Josef Strauss, some rhythmic elan from Eduard Strauss and an effective concluding galop by Joseph Lanner, with an ingenious interweaving of Hungarian themes. While dyed-in-the-wool enthusiasts for Viennese dance music may welcome the collection for its rarities, those unfamiliar with this type of quartet arrangement may enjoy the novelty of hearing pieces played by other than full orchestra. There are excellent notes by Franz Mailer.'