Review: The Bassinova Quartet – Beethoven And Shostakovich Quartets

String quartet instrumentation: 2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello. Right?

If you have ever listened to the Bassinova Quartet, a group of 4 virtuoso double bassists who have redefined chamber music and approached the most demanding string quartet literature, you would think twice about the hard-set rule for string quartet instrumentation.

After listening to Bassinova Quartet’s new CD, Beethoven And Shostakovich Quartets, one could believe these wonderful pieces could have been written for four double basses. The group captures the essential character of the music they perform, and exceptionally adapt each particular quartet part to the double bass. If you listen to this album as a double bassist, you are most likely blown away by the musicality but more so the technical mastery needed to tackle parts written for violin, viola, and cello. If you are not a bassist, then this group will provide you with a snapshot of what the double bass is capable of, both individually and cooperatively.

Check out this short clip of The Bassinova Quartet performing a segment from Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2 – Notturno:

Here is another fantastic clip: a page-by-page from the score from the Shostakovich String Quartet No. 8 – Allegro Molto:

This is an incredible group that only will continue to redefine quartet literature and the role of the double bass in chamber music. I highly recommend checking out this fabulous group of double bassists!

Find this album on:

• CD Baby
• Amazon
• Spotify