Bridge: Phantasy / String Quartets Nos. 2 and 4

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Frank Bridge's chamber music with this captivating album, released on Naxos in 2005. This collection showcases Bridge's mastery of the string quartet form, featuring his String Quartets No. 2 and 4, along with the evocative Phantasy Piano Quartet in F-Sharp Minor. The Second Quartet, completed in 1915, marks a pivotal point in Bridge's career, bridging his early "English" style with more innovative approaches. The Fourth Quartet, composed later, further explores his evolving musical language. The Phantasy Piano Quartet, one of Bridge's finest early works, is a concise and melodramatic piece that stands out for its compact structure and dramatic flair. Performed by the acclaimed Maggini Quartet and pianist Martin Roscoe, this album offers a compelling journey through Bridge's creative evolution, spanning nearly 30 minutes of captivating performances. With a total duration of just under an hour, this album is perfect for both casual listeners and dedicated fans of chamber music.