British composer Arthur Bliss was extremely self-critical. Although he composed four string quartets, only three were ever performed, and he allowed only two to be published. His first two quartets were written when he was a young man, and these were the works he later withdrew. It wasn't until after his fiftieth birthday that he wrote a chamber work that he thought worthy of public performance. This would be designated his String Quartet No. 1.
In 1950, Bliss completed his second and last string quartet, a work he regarded as one of his best chamber music compositions.
This program we play selections from an
outstanding recording by the German ensemble the Fanny Mendelssohn Quartett. The CD includes both of Arthur Bliss' approved string quartets, and wonderful works they are!
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- Ralph Graves
This program we play excerpts from the Troubadisc release "Arthur Bliss: String Quartets"
Arthur Bliss: String Quartet No 1, Mvts. 1 & 2
The Fanny Mendelssohn Quartett
Arthur Bliss: String Quartet No. 2, Mvts. 3 & 4
The Fanny Mendelssohn Quartett