Immerse yourself in the captivating world of William Alwyn's late string quartets with the release of "Alwyn: String Quartets Nos. 10-13" on SOMM Recordings. This compelling collection, spanning a little over an hour, showcases Alwyn's mastery of the string quartet form, offering a journey through evocative landscapes and profound emotional depths.
The album opens with the tenth quartet, "En voyage," a four-movement work that paints vivid sonic pictures. From the mournful "Departure" to the lively "Sea Birds," the serene "The Lonely Waters," and the energetic "Trade Winds," Alwyn's evocative compositions transport the listener to a world of natural beauty and introspection.
The eleventh quartet in B Minor presents a more introspective journey, with its three movements flowing seamlessly from one to the next. The twelfth quartet, titled "Fantasia," is a tour de force of musical imagination, while the thirteenth quartet concludes the album with its expansive first movement and lively finale.
William Alwyn, a prolific English composer whose work spans film scores, orchestral, and chamber music, demonstrates his exceptional skill and versatility in these late string quartets. Recorded with precision and passion, this album is a testament to Alwyn's enduring legacy and a treasure trove for lovers of classical music.