Britten: String Quartet No. 2, Op. 36

Benjamin Britten's sublime String Quartet No. 2, Op. 36, is a masterpiece of 20th-century classical music, now available on the Lawo Classics label. Completed on 14 October 1945, this work was premiered by the Zorian Quartet at London's Wigmore Hall on 21 November of the same year, marking the 250th anniversary of the death of English composer Henry Purcell.

This string quartet, comprising three movements - Allegro calmo, senza rigore, Vivace, and Chacony sostenuto - showcases Britten's unique blend of neoclassical and operatic influences. The Chacony, in particular, is a tribute to Purcell, with Britten seeking to embody the same qualities he admired in the earlier composer's work.

Written during a pivotal year in Britten's career, which saw the phenomenal success of his opera Peter Grimes, this string quartet demonstrates the composer's mastery of instrumental music. With a duration of 30 minutes, this album is a must-listen for fans of classical music, offering a glimpse into Britten's innovative and enduring compositional style. Released on 29 October 2024, Britten: String Quartet No. 2, Op. 36, is a testament to the timelessness of Britten's music, and a celebration of his contribution to the world of classical music.

Benjamin Britten, a titan of 20th-century British music, is celebrated for his profound contributions to opera, choral, and orchestral compositions. Born in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in 1913, Britten began his musical journey at the tender age of six, with his first compositions published during his student years. His operatic works, such as the hauntingly powerful "Peter Grimes" and the poignant "Billy Budd," have earned him a place among the most prominent figures in modern opera, often drawing comparisons to Ralph Vaughan Williams. Britten's repertoire spans a wide range of genres, from enchanting operas to heartfelt choral masterpieces and orchestral gems like "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra." His emotive and accessible compositions continue to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest British composers of his generation. Beyond his composing prowess, Britten was also a skilled conductor and pianist, and he served as the President of the Society of Recorder Players from 1958 until his passing in 1976.