Liz Johnson's string quartets are characterized by a gentle, economic style, subtle string writing, and musical ideas that are constantly transforming, benefiting from close listening.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The titles of several string quartets by Liz Johnson, such as 'Images of Trees' and 'Intricate Web', identify morphological correspondences between natural phenomena and abstract musical figures.
Performer Biography
Heather Tuach, the solo cellist on this album and a member of the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, studied cello at several universities and academies, completing a Doctorate of Music in 2009.
Recording & Production
Andrew Hallifax, the engineer and producer for this album, specializes in acoustic music recording, working across classical, jazz, and world musics, and has recorded many prominent musicians.
Composer Biography
Liz Johnson, the composer, began her career as a full-time teacher before pursuing an MA and PhD in composition, ultimately deciding not to return to teaching.
Performer Biography
The Fitzwilliam Quartet, founded in 1968, gained international recognition through their personal friendship with Dmitri Shostakovich and their championing of his string quartets, including performing and recording all fifteen.
Performer Biography
Ronald Woodley, who performs clarinets and piano on this album, is a Professor of Music at Birmingham Conservatoire and has commissioned or been the dedicatee of several new works.
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