Lucien Capet was a prominent chamber musician of the 20th century, leading five of the six ensembles he was associated with.
Performer Biography
Lucien Capet, the violinist leading the quartet on this recording, is considered a direct ancestor of modern violinists like Itzhak Perlman due to his bowing technique.
Recording & Production
This recording features the last formation of the Capet Quartet, which was engaged in a series of recordings for Columbia when it was cut short by Lucien Capet's death.
Historical Context
The Capet Quartet's activities were severely impacted by World War I when Marcel Casadesus, a member of the quartet, was killed in action in October 1914.
Interpretation
Lucien Capet played in the 19th-century style, using gut strings and light bowing, and meticulously rehearsed to achieve a pure, homogeneous sound with planned portamenti and matched bowings.
Critical Reception
The Capet Quartet's performance style, which included very little vibrato in Viennese Classical works, was considered old-fashioned by the 1920s and even caused Yehudi Menuhin to leave a concert.
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