Stanford - String Quartets Nos 1 & 2, Horn Fantasy
£10.40
In stock - available for despatch within 1 working day
Despatch Information
This despatch estimate is based on information from both our own stock and the UK supplier's stock.
If ordering multiple items, we will aim to send everything together so the longest despatch estimate will apply to the complete order.
If you would rather receive certain items more quickly, please place them on a separate order.
If any unexpected delays occur, we will keep you informed of progress via email and not allow other items on the order to be held up.
If you would prefer to receive everything together regardless of any delay, please let us know via email.
Pre-orders will be despatched as close as possible to the release date.
Label: Hyperion - Helios
Cat No: CDH55459
Format: CD
Number of Discs: 1
Genre: Chamber
Release Date: 30th June 2014
Contents
Works
Fantasy in A minor for horn quintetString Quartet no.1 in G major, op.44
String Quartet no.2 in A minor, op.45
Artists
Stephen Stirling (horn)RTE Vanbrugh Quartet
Works
Fantasy in A minor for horn quintetString Quartet no.1 in G major, op.44
String Quartet no.2 in A minor, op.45
Artists
Stephen Stirling (horn)RTE Vanbrugh Quartet
About
Think of Stanford and the genre of the string quartet probably won’t come to mind. But he composed no fewer than eight such works over a twenty-eight year period, inspired by his friendship with the great violinist Joseph Joachim.
Stanford had already composed a number of large-scale chamber works before he began his first string quartet in the summer of 1891, when he was thirty-nine. The second string quartet followed immediately during a burst of dazzling creativity. Both quartets are serious, big-boned works that show Stanford’s mastery of the idiom and ability as a contrapuntist, although they generally display textures that are lighter and more transparent than the thicker palette of Brahms (with whom Stanford is sometimes compared).
These delightful works also reveal Stanford’s love of song and lyricism. Throughout, the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet plays with a rare sensitivity and a natural eloquence.
The Horn Fantasy - a later work, dating from 1922 - is dramatic, compelling and flawlessly written for the genre (a rare combination of instruments and quite possibly composed as a tribute to Mozart, whom Stanford greatly admired), and it is superbly played by Stephen Stirling.
‘These exemplary first recordings make the best possible case for all this rare material; sound and balance are first-class, too. A strongly recommendable issue, in sum, extensively annotated by Jeremy Dibble. Can we expect further instalments?’ - Gramophone
‘These beautifully crafted and attractive string quartets, clearly indebted to Brahms and Mendelssohn, receive highly committed performances. The Fantasy for Horn and String Quartet, one of Stanford’s last compositions, proves to be an unexpected bonus’ - BBC Music Magazine
‘Jeremy Dibble’s notes are excellent, as is the recording. On balance, this is a very worth-while issue of first-rate British chamber music which does not deserve the neglect which has befallen it’ - International Record Review
‘This is fine music, beautifully played’ - The Sunday Times
‘These two quartets are alive with melodic invention and supremely crafted … Stephen Stirling is a sweet-toned soloist alongside the consistently stylish playing of this fine Irish quartet’ - Classic FM Magazine
‘The string quartet writing here reveals the composer at his most fecund and imaginative. The highly adept RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet, which hails from Stanford’s native Dublin, brings a terrific energy to these appetising works’ - The Strad
‘The playing on this new Hyperion release is flawless, and their tonal palette perfect for Stanford’s music. Stephen Stirling’s horn in the Fantasy is warm and glowing. This is very highly recommended, and with a plea to the Vanbrugh and Hyperion for Stanford’s remaining six quartets’ - Fanfare, USA
RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet:
- Gregory Ellis, violin I
- Keith Pascoe, violin II
- Simon Aspell, viola
- Christopher Marwood, cello
[from CDA67434]
Error on this page? Let us know here
Need more information on this product? Click here