Mi Favorita - Mazurka

"I have a solo version of this anonymous piece, and it is interesting to compare that arrangement with the quartet that is currently open on my desk for review. The quartet is in the same pair of keys - E minor and E major. As the original solo isn't all that hard, the initial question has to be 'what extra does the quartet version bring?' The straightforward answer is that there is a little extra texture and support, a little extra ornamentation, slightly fuller chords. The more subtle answer is that sharing out the workload also makes it easier to add articulation, glissandi and a sense of forward movement to the music, instead of just regarding it as a series of decorated chord shapes. In this respect, it's not a whole lot more impressive than the solo version, but it does have a feeling of 'drive' and effortlessness. [...] it really does come out sounding very pleasing and with phrases that are easier to shape and melody that come be brought out with a rest stroke whereas before the chords got in the way. The part scores are free from page turns, and the type setting is clear. The fingering is a little sparse but well-chosen and there are enough dynamics to help the players shape the performance. I still miss the use of position markings, only fingerings, as it's not immediately clear where there are position shifts. Nothing is too high or too scary. In terms of playing standards, well, here's the great news. All the lines are interesting - the bass line has little busy runs, and the other parts have a mix of melody and typically three-note arpeggios. Although the top part is a tiny bit harder, the upper parts are equally rewarding to play, and the bass line is just straightforward fun. I would think that an ensemble of Grade three or above would be able to turn this into a performable piece, and a more skilled ensemble could well enjoying playing this simply because of the interchanges between the parts."

Derek Hasted (Classical Guitar Magazine)