Breve
Afinat, 2024
9/10
The always impressive Euclid Quartet return with a sophomore album on the Afinat label, where the 11 single movement pieces all retain their own distinct and rich tone.
Mozart’s “Adagio And Fugue In C Minor, K. 546” starts the listen with Jameson Cooper and Aviva Hakanoglu’s stirring violins alongside Luis Enrique Vargas’ stirring viola for the firm versus bare moments, and “Metro Chabacano”, by Javier Alvarez, follows with swift and bright string interaction that welcomes Brendan Shea’s animated violin.
Further along, the warm and intimate William Bolcom track, “Graceful Ghost Rag”, comes with plenty of emotion and beauty, especially from Justin Goldsmith’s cello, while Gershwin’s “Lullaby” emits stunning and uplifting dynamics between the quartet’s inimitable playing.
Arriving near the end, “Langsamer Satz”, by Anton Webern, recruits Jacqueline Choi’s gripping cello that complements the sweeping strings and strong attention to mood, and Joaquin Turina’s “La Oración del Torero, Op. 34” exits with gripping, textured string manipulation that tugs on the heartstrings.
A outfit who are celebrating 25 years together, the selections here span 3 centuries, have accompanied the Euclid Quartet across their entire journey, and are flawlessly executed in their timeless and articulate chamber vision.
Travels well with: Boston Modern Orchestra Project- Joan Tower Piano Concerto- Homage To Beethoven; Olivia Pérez-Collellmir- Olivia