The Clarion Quartet makes a striking debut with "Breaking the Silence," a captivating exploration of string quartet repertoire that showcases their technical prowess and interpretive depth. Released in 2018, this album presents a compelling program that spans both familiar and lesser-known works, offering a fresh perspective on the string quartet tradition.
The album opens with five evocative pieces for string quartet, each inspired by different musical styles: a Viennese waltz, a serenade, a Czech folk dance, a tango milonga, and a tarantella. These pieces demonstrate the Clarion Quartet's versatility and ability to infuse each work with its unique character. The ensemble then turns to the string quartets of Erwin Schulhoff and Erich Wolfgang Korngold, presenting Schulhoff's String Quartet No. 3, Op. 46, and Korngold's String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 34. These works, composed in the early 20th century, offer a rich tapestry of harmonies and textures, and the Clarion Quartet navigates them with sensitivity and precision.
The album concludes with an arrangement of Jennifer Orchard's "Eli, Eli (A Walk to Caesarea)" for string quartet, providing a poignant and introspective close to the program. Throughout the album, the Clarion Quartet's playing is marked by its clarity, warmth, and expressive range, making "Breaking the Silence" a compelling introduction to this talented ensemble. With a duration of just over 55 minutes, this album is an excellent addition to any classical music collection, offering a diverse and engaging program that highlights the beauty and power of the string quartet.
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