Part of Metier’s ongoing series of recordings of the music of Michael Finnissy, one of Britain’s most accomplished and acclaimed contemporary composers
“Finnissy is stretching his players - irrational timings and unexpected intervals - so there’s none of the pop condescension of boom boom Minimalism. Finnissy hollows out the romantic legacy from the inside, spinning lines so tense they sound as if they are traced on a bomb ready to explode. Perhaps the febrile beauty admired by Finnissy’s devotees is not so much the pinnacle of art as the ring of truth.”
Ben Watson
Gramophone ’Critics Choice’ CD for 1998
“This is rather special. If variety is the spice of life, then this disc is hot. And so are the Kreutzer Quartet, whose commitment and spirit make this demanding music sound clear, fluent and gritty. A must for anyone interested in new music, or in the evolution of the string quartet as a genre.”
Fabrice Fitch
“…a bracing experience. This is a rough-hewn and extremely sturdy music, profoundly honest about what it is and what it’s doing. ’String Quartet’ may be the most unrelaxing piece of music I’ve heard of late. And that, though it sounds like nothing of the sort, is a compliment!”
Brian Marley
