The Complete String Quartets

John Zorn, the prolific and boundary-pushing composer, presents "The Complete String Quartets," a monumental collection of his string quartet works spanning three decades. This 2-CD set, released on Tzadik Records, features the acclaimed JACK Quartet delivering passionate and virtuosic performances of eight compositions written between 1988 and 2017. The album is a testament to Zorn's distinctive approach to modern classical music, blending avant-garde, free jazz, and experimental elements to create a unique and captivating sonic experience.

"The Complete String Quartets" includes a 36-page booklet with extensive notes, scores, and appreciations by the musicians, providing invaluable context and insight into Zorn's creative process. The album opens with "Cat O' Nine Tails," a piece that showcases Zorn's signature eclecticism and unpredictability. Other highlights include "Dead Man," "Memento Mori," and "Kol Nidre," each offering a different facet of Zorn's compositional style. The album also features the four-part "Necronomicon" suite, a sprawling and intricate work that demonstrates Zorn's ability to push the boundaries of traditional string quartet writing.

Performers on this album include Chris Otto and Austin Wulliman on violins, with the JACK Quartet delivering stunning performances throughout. The album's duration of over two hours ensures that listeners are fully immersed in Zorn's unique musical universe. Whether you're a longtime fan of John Zorn or a newcomer to his work, "The Complete String Quartets" is an essential addition to any discerning music collection.

John Zorn is a boundary-defying American composer, saxophonist, and producer renowned for his eclectic and experimental approach to music. Resisting easy categorization, Zorn's work spans an impressive range of genres, including jazz, rock, classical, metal, and world music, often blending them in unexpected and innovative ways. A prolific artist, he has released a vast discography, including the monumental 11-album box set "The Book Beriah," which features 92 compositions. Zorn is also the founder of the Tzadik record label, a platform for experimental and avant-garde music, and has collaborated with numerous influential musicians. His groundbreaking ensemble Naked City is often cited as a precursor to the jazz-metal fusion genre. Zorn's compositions often incorporate unique structures, such as his celebrated "game" pieces like "Cobra," which guide large, diverse groups of musicians through intricate musical strategies. With a career that has spanned decades, John Zorn continues to be a catalyst for innovation and a major influence in contemporary music.