Birtwistle: Complete String Quartets

Album Description

Dive into the intricate and captivating world of contemporary classical music with Harrison Birtwistle's "Birtwistle: Complete String Quartets." This album, released in 2010 under the Aeon label, is a testament to Birtwistle's mastery of the string quartet genre, showcasing his unique compositional style and innovative approach to classical music. The album features two of Birtwistle's major works for string quartet: "String Quartet: The Tree of Strings" and "9 Movements for String Quartet," both performed by the renowned Arditti Quartet.

Recorded in 2010 at Studio Stolberger Strasse in Köln, this album offers a rich and immersive listening experience. The "9 Movements for String Quartet," composed between 1991 and 1996, is a sprawling work that spans nearly 31 minutes, pushing the boundaries of traditional string quartet composition. The album also includes "String Quartet: The Tree of Strings," a more recent work from 2007, which adds a contemporary edge to the collection.

With a total duration of 59 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Birtwistle's string quartet compositions. The 6-panel Digipak release includes a 16-page booklet, providing valuable insights into the compositions and the artist's creative process. Whether you're a seasoned fan of contemporary classical music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a deep dive into the avant-garde world of Harrison Birtwistle, one of the most influential composers of our time.

1 januari 2010

2012 Aeon

2010 WDR

About Harrison Birtwistle

Sir Harrison Birtwistle, a titan of contemporary classical music, is renowned for his powerful and innovative compositions, particularly his operas that delve into mythological realms. Born in England, Birtwistle's works are celebrated for their theatricality, even when not explicitly staged. His notable compositions include "The Triumph of Time," and the operas "The Mask of Orpheus," "Gawain," and "The Minotaur," the latter of which was hailed by critics as one of the 21st century's finest pieces. Birtwistle's bold and dramatic style was famously showcased during the BBC's Last Night of the Proms with his saxophone concerto "Panic," an event that garnered national attention. His extensive accolades include numerous international awards and honorary degrees, cementing his legacy as a master composer.