American Contemporaries

Dive into the rich tapestry of contemporary American chamber music with the Emerson String Quartet's "American Contemporaries," released on Deutsche Grammophon in 1993. This captivating album showcases the quartet's virtuosity and versatility, featuring works by three prominent American composers: John Harbison, Stephen Wernick, and Gunther Schuller.

The album opens with Harbison's String Quartet No. 2, a five-movement work that explores a range of moods and textures, from the contemplative "Fantasia" to the lively "Chorale Fantasia." Harbison's intricate compositions challenge and delight, highlighting the Emerson String Quartet's technical prowess and interpretive depth.

Next, the quartet presents Wernick's String Quartet No. 4, a complex and engaging piece that includes a homage to Alban Berg and a multi-part scherzo. Wernick's work is a testament to the quartet's ability to tackle intricate rhythms and harmonies with precision and clarity.

The album concludes with Schuller's String Quartet No. 3, a powerful and dramatic work that demands the full range of the quartet's expressive capabilities. From the intense opening "Maestoso" to the exhilarating finale, Schuller's composition is a tour de force of contemporary string writing.

Throughout the album, the Emerson String Quartet demonstrates their commitment to bringing new and challenging works to life, making "American Contemporaries" a standout release in their discography. With a total duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a rewarding listen for anyone interested in the cutting edge of American chamber music.

The Emerson String Quartet, renowned for over four decades, stands as one of the world's premier chamber music ensembles. Formed in 1976 by students at the Juilliard School, this American quartet is celebrated for its innovative approach, notably being one of the first to alternate its violinists between first and second chairs. Named after the esteemed poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, the quartet has left an indelible mark on the classical music scene. They have been the resident quartet at Stony Brook University and were the inaugural resident string quartet of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center from 1982 to 1989. Their extensive discography and numerous awards underscore their commitment to collaborative curiosity and internationalism, making them a must-experience for any classical music enthusiast.