Brodsky Quartet

Brodsky Quartet

New World Quartets

(Chandos)

Any new CD release fom the Brodsky Quartet is special. The famous four - Daniel Rowland, Ian Belton, Paul Cassidy and Jacqueline Thomas - constitute simply one of the best string quartet groupings in the world. They are justly acclaimed for their polish, sophistication and a mature refinement to which almost every group, in a music world stuffed with new string quartets, should aspire. And, dare I say, they have a special place in the hearts of Glasgow's music community through their substantial and significant residency at the RCS. Their new recording of American string quartets is, without reservation, completely fabulous, with possibly the most unforced and unhurried version of Dvorak's American Quartet you will hear. There is also a classic performance of Copland's Two Pieces, along with Cassidy's and Thomas's transcription of the Hoe Down (a defining sound of musical Americana), Samuel Barber's Quartet with its iconic Adagio, and two real rarities in Gershwin's lovely Lullaby, with its hint of the blues, and Dave Brubeck's Regret, in an arrangement made by the pianist for the Brodskys. Glorious.

Michael Tumelty