Ferneyhough: Complete Works for String Quartet & Trio

Dive into the intricate and avant-garde world of Brian Ferneyhough with his comprehensive collection, "Complete Works for String Quartet & Trio." Released on April 28, 2014, under the Aeon label, this album is a testament to Ferneyhough's innovative compositional style and his significant contributions to contemporary classical music. Spanning an impressive three hours, the album features a vast array of pieces, including sonatas, string quartets, and trios, each showcasing Ferneyhough's complex and intellectually stimulating approach to music.

The album opens with the extensive "Sonatas for String Quartet," a series of 24 movements, each named after a letter of the Greek alphabet, demonstrating Ferneyhough's meticulous attention to detail and structural innovation. Following this, the album presents a selection of string quartets and trios, including the evocative "Dum Transisset" and the experimental "Exordium." Each piece is a journey through Ferneyhough's unique sound world, characterized by its intricate rhythms, dense textures, and exploratory harmonies.

For fans of avant-garde music and those eager to explore the cutting edge of contemporary classical composition, this album is an essential addition to any collection. Brian Ferneyhough's "Complete Works for String Quartet & Trio" is not just a compilation of works but a profound exploration of the possibilities of string instrumentation, offering a challenging and rewarding listening experience.