Meyer: Quintet . Rorem: Quartet No.4 - Emerson String Quartet - Emerson String Quartet

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of chamber music with the Emerson String Quartet's 1998 release, featuring works by Edgar Meyer and Ned Rorem. This album, released on Deutsche Grammophon, is a testament to the ensemble's virtuosity and the composers' unique visions.

The album opens with Edgar Meyer's String Quintet, a four-movement work that showcases the quartet's exceptional skill and Meyer's innovative compositional style. The quintet is performed with double bassist Edgar Meyer, adding a rich, resonant layer to the ensemble's sound.

The second half of the album is dedicated to Ned Rorem's String Quartet No. 4, a ten-movement work inspired by the paintings of Pablo Picasso. Each movement is a musical interpretation of a specific Picasso painting, from the mythical "Minotaur" to the poignant "Death of Harlequin." The quartet's performance is marked by its precision, expressiveness, and deep understanding of Rorem's intricate score.

With a total duration of 53 minutes, this album is a compact yet powerful exploration of contemporary classical music. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a curious newcomer, this recording by the Emerson String Quartet is sure to captivate and inspire. The album was released on January 1, 1998, but the music within is timeless, offering a fresh and engaging listening experience.

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.