Rubbra: String Quartet No. 2 - Amoretti - Edmund Rubbra

Album Description

Dive into the rich and varied musical landscape of Edmund Rubbra with this captivating album, released on November 17, 2009, under the Naxos label. This collection showcases Rubbra's mastery of chamber music, featuring a diverse range of compositions that highlight his unique voice and deep musical insight.

The album opens with Rubbra's String Quartet No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73, performed by the renowned Maggini Quartet. This four-movement work is a testament to Rubbra's ability to blend classical forms with a distinctly personal touch, offering a rich and engaging listening experience.

Following the quartet, the album presents "Amoretti," a series of songs based on the poetry of Edmund Spenser. Tenor Charles Daniels brings these works to life with his expressive and nuanced performances, accompanied by pianist Martin Roscoe. The texts, drawn from Spenser's sonnet sequence, explore themes of love and longing, providing a poetic counterpoint to the instrumental works on the album.

The album also includes "Ave Maria Gratia Plena," a beautiful setting of the traditional Latin text, and Piano Trio, Op. 68, a single-movement work that showcases Rubbra's ability to create a sense of narrative and drama within a concise form. The Maggini Quartet and Martin Roscoe deliver powerful and evocative performances of these works, highlighting the depth and breadth of Rubbra's musical language.

Throughout the album, Rubbra's compositions are brought to life by some of the finest musicians in the classical world. The Maggini Quartet, Charles Daniels, and Martin Roscoe each bring their unique talents and insights to these performances, resulting in a collection that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Whether you are a longtime fan of Rubbra's music or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a compelling introduction to the composer's unique voice and enduring appeal.

November 17, 2009

2009 Naxos

2009 (P) Naxos

About Edmund Rubbra

Charles Edmund Rubbra, born in Northampton in 1901, was a distinguished British composer whose works spanned a wide range of genres, though he is perhaps best known for his eleven symphonies. Rubbra's music, which reached its zenith of popularity in the mid-20th century, is characterised by its dramatic intensity and improvisatory spirit. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Rubbra never embraced the dodecaphonic style, instead forging his own unique compositional path. His extensive catalogue includes notable works such as the Viola Concerto in A Major, Op. 75, and his Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 85. Despite a decline in public recognition in recent decades, Rubbra's compositions continue to captivate those who seek out his music, offering a rich and emotive experience that stands the test of time.