The Meccore String Quartet have built a concert hall reputation that only few can hope to attain. Recognised as ‘the best Polish string quartet’, they have garnered acclaim after acclaim at many international stages and with a small yet enviable number of widely appreciated recordings in RBCD format they have conquered many hearts. High time, therefore, they reached out to an audience of connoisseurs who accept nothing but the best with an SACD released by the young and spirited label Prelude Classics, which won’t fail to impress the listener as regards repertoire, musicality and, not least, the impeccable engineering.

For me, it’s no secret that the best productions come from labels managed by music lovers rather than those who are merely focused on profits. Recently, Prelude Classics label manager and executive producer, Michał Bryła, joined the ranks of music-loving engineers. This is his third release and, like the previous ones, it won’t go unnoticed. Not only the spirited playing or the skilful engineering but also the choice of repertoire demands respect. Both Wieniawski and Paderewski (World Premiere) are Firsts in Super Audio. Perhaps not core repertoire for many, but having listened to these melodious works in the reading of the Meccore String Quartet one is lost forever. Compelling is a weak description of the verve and emotional depth with which these musicians interpret these Polish composers for the benefit of a global audience.

More than words (and ChatGPT-generated texts) can express, one has to listen to appreciate the sheer beauty these four players can elicit from their period instruments; some copied (by Krzysztof Krupa from originals), though the first violinist, Wojciech Koprowski, uses Wieniawski’s own instrument (1846 Ch. F. Gand, père) from the collection of the National Museum in Poznan, Poland. Much of the persuasive charm be attributed to Polish musicians playing Polish composers. The mindset of understanding the sophisticated Slavic soul is something they must have in their genes. Emotion coming from the heart without dramatic gloom. It’s positive and exciting.

Drawing parallels with other String Quartets can be hazardous. When I compare Meccore with the famous Alban Berg Quartet, the conclusion must be that interplay and virtuosity are of a similarly high standard. However, where the Alban Berg’s were technically excellent, the Meccore’s add the missing sense of human feeling to the perfection. Besides, this new release profits hugely from the technical advances in recording. Wojciech Pacuła, Editor in Chief of High Fidelity Poland devotes a whole paragraph in the booklet to the recording process. It is well worth reading. Like the rest of the detailed liner notes, clearly also geared toward Japanese audiences.

It cannot be said enough that we have here the summit of excellence on all counts.

NB. Due to a bug (?) I cannot differentiate between stereo and multi-channel STARS, but I can assure readers that the surround merrits all the stars.

Blangy-le-Château, Normandy France.

Copyright © 2025 Adrian Quanjer and HRAudio.net

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