String Quartets 1-3
American Modern, 2022
8/10
The world premiere recording of Robert Paterson’s first three string quartets, The Indianapolis Quartet really illuminate the rich and technical aspects of the movements, where a modern classical appeal is quite fascinating.
“String Quartet No. 1” opens the listen with quivering strings that move unpredictably and with allure across the 4 chapters of tense, heartfelt and bright musicianship, and “String Quartet No. 2” continues this meticulousness with intimacy and adventurousness, as both light and dark textures are explored with much depth.
The 5 chapters of “String Quartet No. 3” exits the listen, and presents a calculated mysteriousness that flows with a dynamic, cinematic prowess where the bowed and plucked strings never stay in one place too long and emit much wonder and awe.
The Indianapolis Quartet, i.e. Zachary DePue (violin), Joana Genova (violin), Michael Isaac Strauss (viola) and Austin Huntington (cello), handle these pieces with much care and it makes for a necessary listen for those with an ear for string ensembles and contemporary classical sounds.
Travels well with: Douglas J. Cuomo- Seven Limbs; Tom Nazziola- Distant Places