Górecki's String Quartet No. 1, "Already it is dusk," uses a tenor line from a Polish Renaissance motet by Wacław z Szamotuł as thematic material.
Composition History
The three string quartets on this recording were commissioned and premiered by the Kronos Quartet of San Francisco.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Despite his contemplative image, Górecki also had a great sense of fun, incorporating circus-like music into works like the Concerto-Cantata for flute and orchestra.
Composer Biography
Henryk Górecki, the composer, once described himself as an "odludek" (recluse), an image reinforced by the global success of his Symphony No. 3.
Composition History
Górecki completed the draft of his String Quartet No. 3 in 1995 but delayed its premiere for ten years, stating, "I don't know why."
Compositional Technique
Górecki's String Quartet No. 2, "Quasi una fantasia," was inspired by Beethoven's piano sonatas and string quartets, and features recurring "Beethovenian" chords.
Performer Biography
The Royal String Quartet, from Warsaw, was shortlisted for the Royal Philharmonic Society Chamber Music Award in 2007 and has been BBC New Generation Artists.
