Rawsthorne: 4 String Quartets

Immerse yourself in the intricate world of Alan Rawsthorne's "Rawsthorne: 4 String Quartets," a captivating collection of modern classical music released in 1997 under the Decca (UMO) label. This album is a testament to Rawsthorne's compositional prowess, featuring four distinct string quartets that showcase his unique voice in the realm of 20th-century classical music.

The Flesch Quartet brings these works to life with their impeccable artistry, delivering performances that are both technically brilliant and deeply expressive. The album opens with the String Quartet No. 1, a piece that sets the tone with its thematic variations, followed by the more complex and dynamic String Quartet No. 2. The latter is divided into multiple movements, each offering a different emotional and musical landscape, from the heavy and slow "Maestoso e pesante" to the passionate and flexible "Allegro appassionato sempre molto rubato."

String Quartet No. 3, composed in 1965, is a three-movement work that contrasts the decisive and energetic "Allegro deciso" with the more subdued and reflective "Andante" and "Molto vivace." The album concludes with an unpublished string quartet, a rare glimpse into Rawsthorne's private musical explorations, featuring a range of tempos and moods that keep the listener engaged until the very end.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, this album is a substantial journey through Rawsthorne's musical genius. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Rawsthorne: 4 String Quartets" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the beauty and complexity of modern string quartet compositions.