Marmen Quartet - Ligeti & Bartók: String Quartets (2025)
The Marmen Quartet's interpretation of Ligeti and Bartók's string quartets has been met with critical acclaim. Reviewers have praised the ensemble's intensity, energy, and technical proficiency in navigating these complex works. Jessica Duchen of Classical Music commended their "intensity, energy and expert view" in handling the challenging compositions.
Norman Lebrecht highlighted the quartet's ability to capture Ligeti's "waspish wit, nasty moments and episodes of transcendental calm and delicacy," noting their "lusty and lyrical" performance.
Additionally, Gramophone magazine selected this album as an Editor's Choice, emphasizing the quartet's cohesive vision and vibrant virtuosity.
The ensemble's dedication to authenticity is evident in their meticulous approach to Ligeti's Second Quartet, described as "probably the hardest thing we've ever had to learn, technically," due to its precise notation and virtuosic demands.
Their thoughtful interpretation brings out the contrasting elements in the music, from the folk-inspired motifs in Bartók's compositions to the avant-garde textures in Ligeti's works.
Overall, this album solidifies the Marmen Quartet's reputation as a formidable force in contemporary chamber music, offering fresh and insightful perspectives on these seminal 20th-century compositions.
Genre: Chamber Music
Country: UK
Final Verdict: 63% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 65th / 156
Highlight: String Quartet No. 1 "Métamorphoses nocturnes"': V. Andante tranquillo
Made me think of:
Arditti Quartet
Kronos Quartet
Takács Quartet
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