Mansurian: String Quartets

Immerse yourself in the profound and introspective world of Tigran Mansurian with his evocative "String Quartets" album. Released on August 29, 2005, under the prestigious ECM New Series label, this collection features the Armenian composer's first two string quartets and the hauntingly beautiful "Testament." Mansurian, renowned as Armenia's leading composer, delivers a deeply personal and moving exploration of loss and remembrance, as both quartets were composed in the 1980s as tributes to friends who had passed away.

The Rosamunde Quartet masterfully interprets these works, bringing out the intricate details and subtle nuances that define Mansurian's unique compositional voice. The album opens with the String Quartet No. 1, a piece that unfolds with a sense of quiet urgency and introspection, followed by the more expansive and reflective String Quartet No. 2. The closing piece, "Testament," is a poignant and deeply personal meditation that serves as a fitting conclusion to this powerful collection.

With a total duration of 49 minutes, "String Quartets" is a testament to Mansurian's ability to convey profound emotions through his music. The album's seven tracks offer a journey through a range of moods and textures, from the delicate and ethereal to the intense and dramatic. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Mansurian's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.