Ives: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2 / Barber: String Quartet

Dive into the rich tapestry of American classical music with the Emerson String Quartet's captivating 1992 album, featuring the string quartets of Charles Ives and Samuel Barber. This collection, released on Deutsche Grammophon, showcases the quartet's exceptional artistry and technical prowess, making it a standout in their discography.

The album opens with Charles Ives' String Quartet No. 1 "From the Salvation Army," a work that blends traditional classical forms with the unique harmonies and rhythms characteristic of Ives' innovative style. The quartet's performance brings out the depth and complexity of Ives' music, offering a fresh perspective on this seminal work. Following this is the Scherzo for String Quartet "Holding Your Own," another Ives piece that highlights the quartet's ability to navigate intricate musical structures with precision and finesse.

The second half of the album is dedicated to Samuel Barber's String Quartet, Op. 11, which includes the iconic Adagio for Strings in its original quartet form. The Emerson String Quartet's rendition of this piece is particularly noteworthy, capturing the profound beauty and melancholy of Barber's composition. The album concludes with Ives' String Quartet No. 2, a work that explores a wide range of moods and textures, from the contemplative "Discussions" to the exhilarating "The Call of the Mountains."

With a total duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of two of America's most influential composers. The Emerson String Quartet's performance is marked by a deep understanding of the music, technical excellence, and a commitment to bringing out the unique character of each piece. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

The Emerson String Quartet, formed in 1976 at the prestigious Juilliard School, has been a beacon of excellence in the world of chamber music for over four decades. Named after the esteemed American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, this American string quartet is renowned for its innovative approach, being one of the first ensembles where the two violinists, Eugene Drucker and Philip Setzer, alternate in the first violin position. With a rich history of performances and recordings, the Emerson String Quartet has solidified its reputation as one of the finest chamber music ensembles globally. Based in New York City, the quartet has been in residence at Stony Brook University, where they continue to inspire and educate new generations of musicians. Their discography spans a wide range of classical repertoire, from Mendelssohn and Brahms to Shostakovich, showcasing their versatility and mastery. Whether performing live or recorded, the Emerson String Quartet delivers performances that are as intellectually stimulating as they are emotionally resonant.