Quintet For String Quartet And Double Bass, B.49 (Op.77, Old Op.18) / Quartet In F Major, B.179 (Op.96) "American"

This 1986 release by Arabesque Recordings pairs two of Antonín Dvořák’s most significant chamber works: the String Quintet in G Major, Op. 77, and the String Quartet in F Major, Op. 96, famously known as the 'American.' The recording features the Portland String Quartet, a group noted for their dedication to the classical repertoire and their longevity in the American chamber music scene during the late 20th century.

The album serves as a showcase for Dvořák’s distinct melodic style, blending Bohemian folk influences with the structured traditions of Western classical music. Arabesque Recordings, established in the late 1970s, was widely regarded for its commitment to high-quality classical pressings and repertoire depth, providing an accessible medium for listeners to explore these complex scores. The Portland String Quartet’s interpretation was received as a technically precise and expressive reading, aligning with the label’s mission to highlight standard and lesser-known works for the contemporary chamber music audience.