Penderecki & Lutosławski: String Quartets

Album Description

Dive into the rich tapestry of Polish string quartet repertoire with the Royal String Quartet's captivating album, "Penderecki & Lutosławski: String Quartets." Released on February 24, 2013, via Hyperion, this 59-minute collection showcases the ensemble's deep connection to their homeland's musical heritage, featuring works by two of Poland's most influential composers.

The album opens with Krzysztof Penderecki's String Quartet No. 1 (1960), a seminal work that blends avant-garde techniques with traditional quartet textures. Penderecki's String Quartet No. 2 (1968) follows, offering a stark contrast with its stark, dissonant language. The Royal String Quartet then turns to Witold Lutosławski's String Quartet No. 3 "Leaves of an Unwritten Diary" (2008), a late masterpiece that reflects the composer's unique voice and innovative approach to form and harmony. The album concludes with two movements from an unidentified string quartet, adding an element of intrigue to the program.

Throughout the album, the Royal String Quartet demonstrates their technical prowess and interpretive depth, bringing clarity and conviction to these complex and challenging works. The ensemble's youthful energy and fresh perspective make this album a standout in the string quartet discography, offering both seasoned concertgoers and newcomers to the genre a compelling introduction to the music of Penderecki and Lutosławski.

24 februari 2013

℗ 2013 Hyperion Records Limited

About Royal String Quartet

The Royal String Quartet, formed in 1998 at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, has established itself as a leading interpreter of contemporary music over its 25-year career. Under the guidance of Professor Ryszard Duź and the Alban Berg Quartet, the ensemble has honed a distinctive artistic identity that resonates with audiences worldwide. The quartet is renowned for its close collaborations with prominent Polish composers, including Krzysztof Penderecki and Paweł Szymański, who often entrust them with premiering their latest works. With a discography that spans from the classical repertoire of Schubert and Mozart to the modern compositions of MacMillan and Glass, the Royal String Quartet's performances are marked by technical brilliance and emotional depth. Their extensive awards, including the Grand Prix in Casale Monferrato and participation in the BBC New Generation Artists programme, underscore their status as a formidable force in the world of chamber music. Whether performing at prestigious venues like Wigmore Hall or captivating audiences with their interpretations of tango, the Royal String Quartet continues to push the boundaries of musical expression.