Description

THE NEW YORK STRING QUARTET

 

 

 

 

Founded in 1919 under the generous patronage of Joseph Pulitzer, the New York String Quartet quickly established itself as one of the premier chamber ensembles of the American interwar era. Comprised entirely of exceptionally talented musicians of Bohemian (Czech) descent, the quartet brought a distinctive European warmth, precision, and romantic expression to the American classical music landscape.

This historic photograph captures the celebrated original lineup of the ensemble in performance, seated in their traditional stage positions (from left to right):

• Ottokar Čadek (First Violin)
• Jaroslav Siskovsky (Second Violin)
• Bedřich Váška (Violoncello)
• Ludvik Schwab (Viola)

For over a decade, this foundational roster remained completely unchanged, yielding a rare and seamless interpretive synergy. From 1925 onwards, the quartet also served as the core string ensemble for the prestigious New York Chamber Music Society. Known for their vibrant phrasing and championed repertoire—ranging from classical masters to contemporary works of their time—the New York String Quartet left an indelible mark on early 20th-century chamber music, preserved here in these rare, restored recordings.

 

 

TRACKLIST

 

New York String Quartet Quartet in G minor (Grieg) Part I

Ottokar Cadek (violin)

Ludwig Schwab (viola)

Jaroslav Siskovsky (violin)

Bedrich Vaska (cello)

Brunswick 20040 XE15790-XE15792 5/22/1925

 

New York String Quartet Quartet in G minor (Grieg) Part 2 Intermezzo

Ottokar Cadek (violin)

Ludwig Schwab (viola)

Jaroslav Siskovsky (violin)

Bedrich Vaska (cello)

Brunswick 20040 XE16452-XE16454 9/28/1925

 

New York String Quartet Quartet in G minor: 1st movement Animé et très décidé (Debussy)

Ottokar Cadek (violin)

Ludwig Schwab (viola)

Jaroslav Siskovsky (violin)

Bedrich Vaska (cello)

Brunswick 20043 XE15895-XE15898 5/28/1925

 

New York String Quartet Quartet in G minor: 2nd movement Assez vif et bien rythmé (Debussy)

Ottokar Cadek (violin)

Ludwig Schwab (viola)

Jaroslav Siskovsky (violin)

Bedrich Vaska (cello)

Brunswick 20056 XE24801-XE24804 10/19/1927

 

New York String Quartet Quartet in G minor 3rd movement  Andantino. Doucement expressif (Debussy)

Ottokar Cadek (violin)

Ludwig Schwab (viola)

Jaroslav Siskovsky (violin)

Bedrich Vaska (cello)

Brunswick 20043 XE16450-XE16451 9/28/1925

 

New York String Quartet Quartet in G minor: 4th movement Très modéré (Debussy)

Ottokar Cadek (violin)

Ludwig Schwab (viola)

Jaroslav Siskovsky (violin)

Bedrich Vaska (cello)

Brunswick 20056 XE24805-XE24808 10/19/1927

 

New York String Quartet Spanish dance Tango (Albeniz)

Ottokar Cadek (violin)

Ludwig Schwab (viola)

Jaroslav Siskovsky (violin)

Bedrich Vaska (cello)

Brunswick 3211 E21031-E21033

 

New York String Quartet Minuet (Boccherini)

Ottokar Cadek (violin)

Ludwig Schwab (viola)

Jaroslav Siskovsky (violin)

Bedrich Vaska (cello)

Brunswick 3211 E21034-E21035 5/18/1926

 

New York String Quartet Molly on the shore (Grainger)

Ottokar Cadek (violin)

Ludwig Schwab (viola)

Jaroslav Siskovsky (violin)

Bedrich Vaska (cello)

Brunswick 25018 X13164-X13165 5/23/1924

 

New York String Quartet An Irish melody (Bridge)

Ottokar Cadek (violin)

Ludwig Schwab (viola)

Jaroslav Siskovsky (violin)

Bedrich Vaska (cello)

Brunswick 25018 X13179-X13180 5/28/1924