|
A significant part of his vast output Gian Francesco Malipiero’s eight string quartets stand comparison to those by Bartók or Shostakovich. This highly original music matches individuality with aesthetical awareness.
The Orpheus String Quartet has become one of the few advocates of Malipiero’s music. They have researched and studied the material at great length and have become really familiar with it.
The eight quartets were written over a period of 44 years but show a remarkable unity in style. The composer was a great admirer of Debussy’s, but this did not permeate into his (string quartet) music. This witty and charming music with great melodic qualities makes excellent listening.
Any string quartet music lover will embrace this music immediately. The Orpheus Quartet proves its point quite convincingly.
Recommended by the Penguin CD Guide
Track listing:
CD 1
1. String Quartet No. 1, “Rispetti e strambotti” (1920) 20:39
2. String Quartet No. 2, “Stornelli e ballate” (1923) 14:48
3. String Quartet No. 3, “Cantari alla madrigalesca” (1931) 15:04
4. String Quartet No. 4 (1934) 14:05
CD 2
1. String Quartet No. 5, “dei capricci” (1950) 16:50
2. String Quartet No. 6, “l’arca di Noe” (1947) 18:21
3. String Quartet No. 7 (1950) 12:21
4. String Quartet No. 8, “per Elizabetta” (1963/4) 11:18
Orpheus String Quartet
Charles-André Linale, violin 1
Emilian Piedicuta, violin 2
Emile Cantor, viola
Laurentiu Sbarcea, cello
|
