The Stenhammar Quartet, established in 2002, is one of Scandinavia's leading string quartets, regularly commissioning works from Nordic composers and performing Viennese Classical and contemporary music.
Compositional Technique
In his Sixth String Quartet, Stenhammar combined numerous independent parts contrapuntally using purely diatonic material from old church modes, rather than late-Romantic chromatic harmony.
Composition History
Stenhammar's F minor Quartet, composed in 1897, was withdrawn by the composer immediately after its first performance, despite positive critical reception.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Stenhammar believed his extensive counterpoint studies, based on Heinrich Bellermann's strict textbook, would give his compositions a 'new and better guideline,' rather than being a reactionary adherence to old rules.
Composer Biography
Wilhelm Stenhammar, a versatile Swedish composer, wrote two operas, two symphonies, two piano concertos, numerous songs, piano music, and a violin sonata, in addition to his string quartets.
Recording & Production
This Hybrid SACD recording was made in October 2011 and December 2012 at Petrus Kyrkan, Stocksund, Sweden, using Neumann microphones and a custom-made preamplifier.
Album & Artwork
The front cover features 'Rosendals Trädgård' (Rosendal Garden), an oil painting from 1903 by August Strindberg, who shared mutual respect with Stenhammar.
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