I. Allegro moderato
II. Menuetto. Allegro moderato
III. Andante. Doloroso ma non troppo lento
IV. Finale. Allegro assai


Ignaz Dobrzynski composed his 1st String Quintet in 1831 when he was in his early 20s and it was premiered on November 19th, 1834 at the Merchants' Club, Warsaw.
It was published in1836 (age 28-29) and dedicated to George Onslow.
Obviously, with the dedication to Onslow it's not hard to hear the inspiration (remember that Onslow was a huge influence at this time) and Dobrzynski studied Onslow's double cello quintets in depth.
The lengthiest 1st movement, Allegro moderato, rather than sounding Onslowian sounds more like Spohr with greater reliance on melody rather than rhythm. However, Dobrzynski has obviously learned a trick or two from Onslow and there's some fine writing for the two celli, especially. I particularly like the Pole's tempi fluctuations to develop the music. This is an excellent opening and my favourite along from the finale.
Next up is an Allegro moderato, minuet, that sounds very stately. The main theme is soave and graceful and quite Beethovian. The grace-noted figure from the first movement even makes another appearance here and gets gradually passed around the ensemble, organically. The extensive central trio slows down the pace and works well as a contrast before the minuet music returns.
The 3rd movement, Andante, Doloroso ma non troppo lente, begins with four pizzicato chords, then moves to minor mode and turns more solemn and serious. However, this introduction gives way to a lovely main theme melody which again feels very Polish (not surprising really, as the thematic material is derived from the Polish national anthem). Eventually the music becomes a little more solemn. There's even another cameo for the grace-note figure.
The finale, Vivace assai, begins cheekily with a bustling, melodic polanaise. This violin heavy movement has a nice main theme and includes snippets of the first theme of the opening Allegro. It's an excellent ending to this very enjoyable work.
Only a couple of recordings to go at so here goes...

Jakowitz et al
Jakub Jakowitz (of the Zehetmair Quartet) recorded his account of the quintet with a host of esteemed Warsaw soloists on the Frederick Chopin Institute label (ugh?) back in 2019 and it's a stately and well-proportioned, safe recommendation. Everything works well with admirable ensemble work of the highest calibre and without any competition this would make a fine sole recording in very good sound.

Wilanow Quartet / Strahl.
However, the Wilanow Quartet, with Tomasz Strahl on second cello, are in even better form and display a wonderful control of tempi throughout their performance. Unlike the safer and more stately Jakowitz et al recording the Wilanow really dig hard to get more vibrancy and better presence. This turn of the century release is a little quicker, sharper and exciting. It's on the Acte Prealable label and their engineers catch the Wilanow in giddy form which proves to be a delight from start to finish. They really do make a strong case for this fine work and although the Wilanow are not perfect from start to finish (some iffy ensemble moments) they show such enthusiasm and commitment to the task that I can't help but admire their sheer bravado and fire.