Dive into the avant-garde world of George Antheil with "The Complete Works For String Quartet," a captivating collection released on April 19, 2005, under the Other Minds label. This album is a testament to Antheil's innovative spirit and his significant contributions to 20th-century music. Spanning a career that saw him experiment with various styles and forms, this compilation brings together his complete string quartet works, offering a comprehensive journey through his creative evolution.
The album begins with the early works "Moderato: Lithuanian Night" and "Presto: Lithuanian Night," both composed in 1922, showcasing Antheil's initial forays into the genre. The "Quartet No. 1 for Strings" (1925) follows, a one-movement piece that highlights his developing style. The "Quartet No. 2 for Strings" (1927) is presented in its entirety, with four distinct movements that reveal Antheil's growing mastery of the string quartet form. The "Six Little Pieces for String Quartet" (1931) offer a glimpse into his more intimate and varied compositions, each piece distinct yet cohesive within the set.
The album concludes with the "Quartet No. 3 for Strings" (1948), a mature work that encapsulates Antheil's later style, marked by complexity and sophistication. The entire collection is performed with precision and passion, bringing to life the rich textures and dynamic range of Antheil's compositions.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, this album is a must-listen for anyone interested in avant-garde music and the evolution of string quartet compositions. George Antheil's "The Complete Works For String Quartet" is not just a compilation but a profound exploration of his artistic journey, making it an essential addition to any music enthusiast's collection.
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