String Quartets

String Theory 15: Piano Trios, Quartets and Quintets, etc.

This two-CD set’s anchor is the big Piano Quintet, whose music went missing after initial performances. The autograph score was delivered anonymously to the Schnabel archive in 2001 and this is its first recording. At three movements spanning 55 minutes, it’s a monster.

String Theory 15: Piano Trios, Quartets and Quintets, etc.

This two-CD set’s anchor is the big Piano Quintet, whose music went missing after initial performances. The autograph score was delivered anonymously to the Schnabel archive in 2001 and this is its first recording. At three movements spanning 55 minutes, it’s a monster.

String Theory 14: 28 Quartets, etc.

The 1918 quartet titled Rosengaardsspil arranges Classical and Romantic gestures like appliques on faded wallpaper. Langgaard dashed off the Italian Scherzo in 30 minutes on the morning of October 21, 1950.

String Theory 14: 28 Quartets, etc.

The 1918 quartet titled Rosengaardsspil arranges Classical and Romantic gestures like appliques on faded wallpaper. Langgaard dashed off the Italian Scherzo in 30 minutes on the morning of October 21, 1950.

String Theory 13: 19 Quartets, etc.

As a collection, Cage’s string quartets permit an ensemble to explore different ways of collaborating. Here the Bozzinis demonstrate their impressive range, playing together, apart and indifferently.

String Theory 13: 19 Quartets, etc.

As a collection, Cage’s string quartets permit an ensemble to explore different ways of collaborating. Here the Bozzinis demonstrate their impressive range, playing together, apart and indifferently.

String Theory 10: 23 Quartets, etc.

Schnittke’s four make a mismatched family.

String Theory 10: 23 Quartets, etc.

Schnittke’s four make a mismatched family.

String Theory 9: 30 Quartets, etc.

As we’d expect from a seasoned musician, Ramsay’s quartets reveal a deep understanding of and admiration for the genre’s giants.

String Theory 9: 30 Quartets, etc.

As we’d expect from a seasoned musician, Ramsay’s quartets reveal a deep understanding of and admiration for the genre’s giants.

String Theory 8 / EA Bucket 14: 29 Quartets, etc.

Prokofiev’s awkward First provides fodder for insipid remixes.

String Theory 8 / EA Bucket 14: 29 Quartets, etc.

Prokofiev’s awkward First provides fodder for insipid remixes.

String Theory 7: 32 Quartets, etc.

Naxos’ third installment of Coates’ quartets delivers what appears to be her most recent quartet.

String Theory 7: 32 Quartets, etc.

Naxos’ third installment of Coates’ quartets delivers what appears to be her most recent quartet.

String Theory 6: 27 Quartets, etc.

An enormous stack of string quartet releases beckons. I’ll try for concision rather than rumination in this first of several posts.

String Theory 6: 27 Quartets, etc.

An enormous stack of string quartet releases beckons. I’ll try for concision rather than rumination in this first of several posts.

Naxos Bowl 3: Some American Classics

Easily matching the Arditti’s premiere recording (Montaigne MO 782091), the Pacificas seem to delight in the Fifth’s halting momentum and casual recollection of the previous four.

Naxos Bowl 3: Some American Classics

Easily matching the Arditti’s premiere recording (Montaigne MO 782091), the Pacificas seem to delight in the Fifth’s halting momentum and casual recollection of the previous four.

Never Enough String Quartets!

Is it possible to tire of string quartets? Not where I sit!

Never Enough String Quartets!

Is it possible to tire of string quartets? Not where I sit!