Viktor Kalabis

String Quartet No. 6 op. 68

Chamber music was the very essence of Viktor Kalabis (1923-2006), one of the most important composers of 20th century Czech music. He devoted his entire life to it and wrote compositions for various solo instruments and instrumental ensembles. With his seven string quartets, each of which represents the author's deep thoughts and intimate message, he reached his peak in this genre.
The String Quartet No. 6 op. 68 was completed in 1988. It is dedicated to the memory of Bohuslav Martinu, whom Kalabis revered throughout his life. He writes of his work: "In the quartet I quote nothing from Martinu's work and do not adapt to his style in any way. Rather, it was the sunniness, authenticity and purity of his human and artistic expression that inspired me the most."
The quartet shows the classic division of the movements fast - slow - fast. Right in the first movement, Kalabis does not skimp on sharpness of sound; a dramatic expression prevails with a contrasting, calmer center. With a little freedom, the second movement could be understood as a meditation on grief, the third movement is again energetic, joy and spontaneity predominate.
This edition is a reissue of the first edition from 1995.