The Vlach Quartet responds to this music very well, and is particularly impressive in the variations of Op. 97, as well as the nostalgic coda of its opening movement.

On the face of it, the Vlach Quartet's credentials 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 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.
What's more, Dvorák's characteristic, chugging cross-rhythms are handled with particular felicity.
Interpretatively, their approach contrasts strongly with other readings in that the Vlach team adopt a coaxing, lyrically expressive stance (with the gorgeous slow movement of the American a highlight). In the case of the masterly G major Quartet, these gifted newcomers show fresh insights (they're especially perceptive in those wistful reminiscences at the heart of the finale).