MENDELSSOHN REQUIEM FÜR FANNY Quatuor Alcan ACD2 2501 The Alcan Quartet performs music for string ensemble that reveals both the dark and light sides Mendelssohn's character.   His Quartet No. 6, Op. 80 is an anguished requiem for his sister Fanny, written shortly before the composer himself died.   Four Pieces, Op. 81 was assembled by a publisher two years after Mendelssohn's death.   Canada's internationally acclaimed violist Steven Dann joins the musicians of the Alcan for the composer's Quintet No. 2, Op.87, written in 1845 during a period of relative calm. “The world according to Alcan is transparent and open, with a most inviting coherence.” Raynald Lavol, Le Soleil QUATUOR N° 6 «REQUIEM POUR FANNY»       [26:04] en fa mineur, op. 80   1.] Allegro vivace assai - Presto       [7:55]   2.] Allegro assai       [4:41]   3.] Adagio       [7:41]   4.] Finale: Allegro molto       [5:47] QUATRE PIÈCES       [10:14] op. 8l (deux extraits)   5.] Tema con variazioni       [6:25]   6.] Scherzo       [3:49] QUINTETTE N° 2       [29:59] en si bémol majeur, op. 87   7.] Allegro vivace       [9:55]   8.] Andante scherzando       [4:41]   9.] Adagio e lento       [9:24] 10.] Allegro molto vivace       [6.00] ATMA Classique is distributed in Australia by Rockian Trading PO Box 44, Briar Hill, Vic, 3088, Australia Telephone +61 (0)3 9432 4149 ~ Facsimile +61 (0)3 9444 6879