György Ligeti's "Ligeti: String Quartets 1 & 2 / Barber: Adagio" is a captivating exploration of avant-garde string quartet compositions, released on ECM New Series in 2013. This album features the Keller Quartett, a Hungarian ensemble, delivering a powerful performance of Ligeti's First and Second String Quartets, along with Samuel Barber's iconic "Adagio for Strings."
Ligeti's compositions are known for their complex rhythms and microtonal harmonies, and this album is no exception. The First Quartet, "Métamorphoses nocturnes," and the Second Quartet, with its five contrasting movements, showcase Ligeti's unique approach to composition. The Barber "Adagio," originally the second movement of his String Quartet, Op. 11, serves as a tonal anchor between the two Ligeti quartets, providing a moment of lyrical respite amidst the avant-garde explorations.
The album's duration is a concise 50 minutes, making it a perfect introduction to Ligeti's work for those new to his music. The sound quality is excellent, as expected from ECM, with a clear and detailed recording that brings out the intricacies of the performances. Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a compelling journey into the world of György Ligeti and his innovative compositions.
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