“Vlach magic”— International Press Reviews

“Vlach magic: On a purely technical level, this must be among the world’s finest quartets: the players’ tonal blend and intonation seem close to perfection, and while their sound is as smooth as glass, it’s never hard or glaring.” The Strad, October 2004

“On the face of it, the credentials of the Vlach Quartet of Prague would seem to be impeccable—the group’s leader, Jana Vlachová, is the daughter of the great Josef Vlach—and, indeed, the players make a most pleasing impression on this vividly recorded new Naxos coupling. They certainly produce a beguilingly rich, beautifully blended sound and bring to this music a big-hearted, songful fervour as well as textural mastery.” Andrew Achenbach in Gramophone 4/1996, reviewing their CD with Dvořák’s String Quartets, Opp. 96 and 106

“The favourable impression created by the Vlach Quartet of Prague’s first release in their Dvořák cycle for Naxos is further reinforced by this admirably recorded latest offering. Once again, their achievement is considerable, especially so in the case of the still relatively unfamiliar E major Quartet (No. 8). They bring to the first two movements in particular both glowing fervour and a most commendable textural transparency. I also very much enjoyed the easy-going, idiomatic charm of the succeeding Allegro scherzando, to say nothing of the attractive polish and warmth of their playing in the finale.” Andrew Achenbach in Gramophone in 1996, reviewing their CD with Dvořák’s String Quartets, Opp. 61 and 80

“Janáček’s first String Quartet was the highlight. . . . The Vlach Quartet Prague played it with its pronounced, gritty, Moravian modes intact. . . . The vigor of the performance of Dvořák’s American Quartet made perfect sense.” The Washington Post, January 30, 1997

“The Vlach Quartet Prague offers warm, lyrical readings of these lesser-known chamber works from Dvořák’s pen. . . . Form and content are beautiful elided in the Vlach’s performance of the Terzetto, capturing the blend of lyricism, energy and poignant sadness which sums up this unusual work. The lyrical qualities of the opening movement are effectively undermined by dark instrumental colors and agitated textures… The recording is of high quality and its revealing detail exposes no weaknesses among these players, whose understanding of the idiom and unanimity throughout are most impressive.” Robin Stowell in The Strad, March 1997, reviewing their CD Dvořák’s String Quartet, Op. 34, and Terzetto, Op. 74

“It concluded with Antonín Dvořák’s final String Quartet in G Major, Op. 106, in a satisfying interpretation by the Vlach Quartet Prague. It was astonishing to hear the timbre of these sensuous sounds, the ability to achieve such extreme dynamics; in short, purse Dvořák!” Olaf Silberbach in the Lübecker Blätter 13/1998 reviewing their concert at the Lübecker Kammermusikfest

“The Czech musicians of the Vlach Quartet Prague are full-blooded professionals—that is to say, the not only strike the right note and character of the music but also play with absolute certainty and virtuosity: a thoroughly convincing release!” Fono Forum 6/1998, reviewing their CD with Janáček’s String Quartets, Nos. 1 and 2

“Dieter Klöcker and the phenomenal Vlach Quartet Prague manage in almost breathtaking fashion to bring this entire unique musical cosmos to life. A riveting musical event from the first note to the last.—Highest ratings for interpretation, sound and value of the repertoire.” Holger Arnold in stereoplay 11/1999, reviewing their prize-winning CD Esquisses Hébraïques: Clarinet Quintets on Jewish Themes

“Here all is pure Dvořák, and captivating. These fine Czech musicians—the excellent Ivan Klánský and the Vlach Quartet Prague—have it deep in their veins and give an affectionate vital performance.” David Cairns in The Sunday Times, December 14, 2003, reviewing their CD with Dvořák’s Piano Quintets, Opp. 5 and 81

“Vlach magic: On a purely technical level, this must be among the world’s finest quartets: the players’ tonal blend and intonation seem close to perfection, and while their sound is as smooth as glass, it’s never hard or glaring.” Andrew Farach-Colton in The Strad, October 2004

“It was Dvořák’s Quartet No. 13 that afforded them their greatest opportunities. From feathery sweetness to gutsy earthiness, from joy in homecoming to sadness over years of absence, the players painted a huge, symphonic landscape. . . . For their single encore, they played Dvořák’s Humoresque in G, a work long travestied in cartoons and performances played for laughs, but beguiling and worthy in the hands of these artists.” Chris Pasles in the Los Angeles Times, February 7, 2005