Weir, J.: String Quartet / Elgar, E.: String Quartet, Op. 83 / Maxwell Davies, P.: Little Quartets Nos. 1 and 2

Featuring

Dietrich Reinhold
Tobias Haupt
Norbert Tunze
Christoph Vietz
Reinhold Quartett
Judith Weir

Edward Elgar
Sir Peter Maxwell Davies

Did you know?

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Composer Biography

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, one of the most productive contemporary composers, was titled 'Master of the Queen's Music' in March 2004.

Composer Biography

Edward Elgar, a representative composer of the Edwardian Epoch, was largely self-taught in music, though he wished to study at the Leipzig conservatorium.

Album & Artwork

The album's concept, 'Mendelssohn and England', originated from a concert at the International Mendelssohn celebration festival in November 2004.

Compositional Technique

Judith Weir's String Quartet, originally written for the Endellion Quartet, is based on song fragments from medieval Spanish romances and a Scottish ballad.

Composer Biography

Judith Weir, one of Great Britain's most famous contemporary composers, was 'Composer in Residence' at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra from 1995 to 1998.

Album & Artwork

The album's dramaturgy is enhanced by the biographical coincidence that Peter Maxwell Davies was born in the same year Edward Elgar died.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Judith Weir developed her distinctive musical style from her interests in literature, folklore, and folk music from regions like Scotland, Iceland, China, and India.