Anders Koppel: String Quartets - Mezzo Saxophone Quintet - Anders Koppel

Album Description

Dive into the captivating world of contemporary classical music with Anders Koppel's "String Quartets - Mezzo Saxophone Quintet," released in 2011 on the Dacapo label. This album showcases the composer's unique ability to blend melody and dissonance, creating a rich and engaging sonic landscape.

The album features two string quartets and a mezzo saxophone quintet, performed by the esteemed Sjaelland String Quartet and saxophonist Benjamin Koppel. The string quartets, with their intricate interplay of melodies and harmonies, demonstrate Koppel's mastery of the form. The mezzo saxophone quintet, on the other hand, offers a unique blend of winds and strings, with the mezzo saxophone providing a rich, dark timbre that contrasts beautifully with the strings.

The album opens with the first string quartet, which begins with a lively "Allegro con brio" movement. The second quartet starts with a slow, contemplative "Larghetto," before building to a lively "Allegro agitato." The mezzo saxophone quintet features a lively first movement, a slow, reflective second movement inspired by Arnold Böcklin's painting "Die Insel der Toten," and a lively, dance-like final movement.

With a total duration of 59 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to Anders Koppel's unique voice in contemporary classical music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

May 3, 2011

2011 Dacapo SACD

About Anders Koppel

Anders Koppel, born in Copenhagen in 1947, is a versatile Danish composer and musician whose career spans over five decades. He is renowned for his eclectic style that seamlessly blends classical, world, rock, and jazz influences. Koppel's journey began with the co-founding of the iconic rock group Savage Rose in 1967, where he played alongside his brother Thomas. His musical prowess extends to the trio Bazaar, which he was a part of from 1976 to 2012, and the trio Koppel-Andersen-Koppel, featuring his son, saxophonist Benjamin Koppel.

Koppel's compositions are vast and varied, including scores for over 150 films, 50 theatrical plays, and three musicals. He has also composed for eight ballets for Nyt Dansk Danseteater. His work has earned him two Danish film awards, the Robert, for best film score. Beyond his solo and collaborative projects, Koppel has written numerous concertos for various solo instruments, often tailored for his son Benjamin. His partnership with Henrik Dam Thomsen has produced a wealth of notable projects, including music for the ensemble Mad Cows Sing and the Copenhagen Cello Quartet.

Growing up in a musically rich environment, with his father Herman D. Koppel being one of Denmark's most significant composers and pianists, Anders Koppel has carried on a legacy of musical excellence. His home, filled with art and memories, reflects his deep connection to creativity and inspiration. Koppel's ability to evoke emotion through his compositions makes him a standout figure in the world of music, continually discovering new sounds and pushing artistic boundaries.