Rubbra: String Quartets Nos. 1, 3 & 4

Dive into the intricate world of Edmund Rubbra's chamber music with this captivating collection of string quartets. Released in 2011 on the prestigious Naxos label, this album presents a trio of Rubbra's most compelling works for string quartet, performed exquisitely by the Maggini Quartet. Spanning a duration of 54 minutes, the album features three complete quartets, each offering a unique blend of Rubbra's distinctive compositional voice.

The album opens with String Quartet No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 35, a work that showcases Rubbra's early mastery of the form. The quartet's revised 1946 version of the third movement, "Vivace," is a particular highlight, demonstrating the composer's evolution and refinement over time. Following this, String Quartet No. 3, Op. 112, offers a more introspective journey, with its haunting "Largo ma molto flessibile" and the delicate "Allegro leggiero." The album concludes with String Quartet No. 4, Op. 150, a work that balances the intimate and the expansive, culminating in a deeply expressive "Adagio e con molta espressione."

Rubbra's string quartets are known for their beautiful craftsmanship and subtle, often introspective, character. The Maggini Quartet's performance brings out the finest nuances of these works, making this album an essential addition to any chamber music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Rubbra's music or a newcomer to his compositions, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

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.