Fiona Cross, Vanbrugh Qt - Robert Simpson: String Quartets Nos. 14 & 15 (1993)

This is one of the best releases of Simpson's music from Hyperion. If you're collecting the symphonies, you'll at least want to add this to your collection. His String Quartet No. 14 is a 1990 work that employs Simpson's characteristic contrapuntal and propulsive manner. He's also got Beethoven in the back of his mind, in terms of unfolding architecture; but there's nothing wrong with that. His Quintet (1983) is for clarinet, bass clarinet, and string trio, and is made much richer in texture by the clarinets. String Quartet No. 15 (1991) is a three-movement work of turbulent character, avoiding tonality altogether. --Paul Cook