Draeseke string quartets draw on tradition

This release features two of the three string quartets composed by Felix Draeseke. Draeseke was an enthusiastic supporter (and emulator) of Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt.

Yet Draeseke, a composer in the New German School style, seemed to have other influences as well. These two quartets, written in 1880 and 1886 respectively, remind me more of Beethoven. 

The structure of the quartet movements is well-defined. The chromatic harmonic motion and thick chords sound Lisztian. But overall, I'd describe these quartets as Beethoven- rather than Wagner-inspired. 

Draeseke also loved counterpoint, and both quartets have their share. But again, I'm reminded of the contrapuntal passages in Beethoven's quartets.

I don't mean to imply these quartets are derivative. They're not. Draeseke may take inspiration from other composers, but he uses it to express his own personality. 

I enjoyed the performances by the Constanze Quartet. They convey the heightened expressiveness of Draeseke's music effectively. 

The recorded sound is good, but not great. There's a slight muddiness to the ensemble sound. To me, that detracted a little from fully experiencing Draeseke's artfully composed counterpoint.

Felix Draeseke: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2
Constanze Quartet
CPO