Alan Ridout: 6 String Quartets

Immerse yourself in the intricate and captivating world of Alan Ridout's string quartets with this comprehensive collection, expertly performed by the Coull Quartet. Released in 2018, this album features six of Ridout's most compelling works for string quartet, each offering a unique blend of technical virtuosity and expressive depth.

The album opens with String Quartet No. 2, a work that showcases Ridout's mastery of contrast, moving seamlessly from the energetic "Vivace" to the lyrical "Lento cantabile," and culminating in the playful "Presto scherzoso." The program continues with the evocative String Quartet No. 5 "Stocklinch," a tense and driving work that builds to a disarming conclusion.

One of the highlights of the collection is String Quartet No. 6 "The Vitréen," a five-movement work inspired by the French town of Vitré. Each movement paints a vivid musical portrait, from the grandeur of "Le château" to the rustic charm of "Le marché," and the serene beauty of "L'église Notre Dame." The quartet's performance brings out the rich textures and subtle nuances of Ridout's score, making this a standout work in the collection.

The album also includes the introspective String Quartet No. 4 "Malden," the contrapuntal brilliance of String Quartet No. 3, and the varied movements of String Quartet No. 1, which ranges from the desolate "Adagio e desolato" to the energetic "Con slancio" and the varied "Variazioni."

Throughout the album, the Coull Quartet demonstrates a deep understanding of Ridout's unique voice, delivering performances that are both technically impressive and musically insightful. Whether you're a longtime fan of Ridout's music or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. With a total duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, it's a substantial and engaging journey through the world of Alan Ridout's string quartets.