Bryars: The Last Days/String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2

Album Description

Gavin Bryars, a renowned figure in the realms of minimalism and avant-garde music, presents a compelling collection of works with "Bryars: The Last Days/String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2." Released in January 1995 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this album showcases Bryars' mastery of chamber music, a genre he has significantly contributed to over his career. The album features two string quartets and a poignant work for two violins, "The Last Days," which is divided into several evocative movements.

The album opens with "String Quartet No. 1 (Between the National and the Bristol)," a piece that reflects Bryars' early explorations in the genre, followed by the intricate and layered "The Last Days." This work is a profound meditation, beginning with the haunting "Prelude (The Roman Ending)" and progressing through a series of intermezzos and movements that build a rich tapestry of sound. The album concludes with "String Quartet No. 2," composed in 1990, which further exemplifies Bryars' unique compositional voice.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, this album offers a deep dive into Bryars' distinctive style, characterized by its minimalist approach and avant-garde sensibilities. Fans of chamber music and those interested in the intersection of minimalism and avant-garde will find this album to be a captivating exploration of Bryars' artistic vision.

1 januari 1995

℗ 1995 Decca Music Group Limited

About Gavin Bryars

Gavin Bryars is a versatile and influential British composer and double bassist, born in Yorkshire in 1943. His musical journey began in the early 1960s as a jazz bassist, collaborating with improvisers like Derek Bailey. Over the decades, Bryars has explored a wide range of genres, including jazz, free improvisation, minimalism, historicism, avant-garde, and experimental music. His compositions are known for their unique, often hypnotic qualities, and his approach to music is deeply personal, with each piece written specifically for the performers who bring it to life. Bryars' work has inspired generations of artists, notably with his seminal piece "The Sinking of the Titanic," released on Brian Eno's Obscure imprint. His innovative contributions to music have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Innovation Award at The Ivors Classical Awards. Bryars' music is a testament to his enduring creativity and his ability to continually evolve and surprise.