Erich Wolfgang Korngold wrote a significant body of chamber music (the Piano Trio and String Sextet are on Naxos 8574008). His three String Quartets reflect differing periods of composition. The First marries impetuousness with enticing harmonies and rapt eloquence. The Second, which dates from 1933, is notable for its clarity, rhythmic impetus and melodic directness. The post-war Third is more relaxed, unexpectedly juxtaposing the archaic and modern with a joyful conclusion.

The Tippett Quartet won Gramophone magazine’s Recording of the Month for Górecki’s String Quartet no.3 (Naxos 8574110). Of the Górecki Quartets nos. 1 and 2 (Volume 1) on 8573919, ‘the Tippett Quartet proves totally committed to Górecki’s esoteric and richly textured sound world’ (The Strad).

Their recording of the Penderecki quartets for Naxos 8574288 was described as ‘life-enhancing’ by The Times and gained a 5-star review in BBC Music Magazine. This was an extremely special disc having received a letter giving permission from Penderecki in January 2020 to record the Fourth Quartet.

They have also recorded Panufnik and Lutosławski on 8573164 which Gramophone called ‘vital performances, edgy and energetic but rich in tone…’.

‘The Tippett Quartet’s well integrated sound is a pleasure throughout, and together with their first Tippett disc (8570496) this completes a rewarding survey’ (Gramophone on 8570497).