Bowen: String Quartets & Phantasy Quintet

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of York Bowen's chamber music with this captivating album, released on Naxos in 2014. This collection showcases Bowen's mastery of the string quartet form, featuring his Second and Third String Quartets, composed in 1915 and 1920 respectively. The Second Quartet in D Minor, Op. 41, opens with an intense and dramatic Allegro assai, followed by a reflective Poco lento and a spirited Finale. The Third Quartet in G Major, Op. 46b, offers a more lyrical and pastoral atmosphere, with its Allegro moderato e semplice first movement, a tender Poco lento e espressivo, and a lively Finale.

The album also includes a rare gem of English romanticism: the Phantasy Quintet, Op. 93, composed in 1932. This fascinating work is one of the first for bass clarinet and string quartet, showcasing Bowen's innovative spirit and rich harmonic language. The Phantasy Quintet flows seamlessly, with its evocative melodies and masterful interplay between the instruments.

York Bowen (1884-1961) was a prolific English composer and pianist, known for his lyrical and expressive music. This album offers a glimpse into his chamber music repertoire, highlighting his skill in crafting intricate and engaging works for small ensembles. With a total duration of 70 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to Bowen's music, offering a blend of intensity, lyricism, and innovation that will captivate any classical music enthusiast.