Pérez Casas & Zurrón: Piano Quartets

[Alan Howe]

Piano Quartets by Bartolomé Pérez Casas (1873-1956), c.1902, and Vicente Zurrón (1871-1915), c.1904:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9794004--spanish-piano-quartets

[Mark Thomas]

The two piano quartets on this recording are well worth exploring. Neither contain anything remotely identifiable as Spanish colour, instead being written in an generic Germanic style, typical of the late 19th century. Zurrón's work is immediately gratifying, it's generosity of melody making it a very approachable piece. Pérez Casas' quartet is rather more austere, but nonetheless makes for a rewarding listen. Both works get persuasive performances and are welcome additions to the rather slim piano quartet repertoire.