Akhtamar Quartet - Enluminures (2023) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Quatuor à cordes en sol mineur, Op. 10, L. 85: I. Animé et très décidé
02. Quatuor à cordes en sol mineur, Op. 10, L. 85: II. Assez vif et bien rythmé
03. Quatuor à cordes en sol mineur, Op. 10, L. 85: III. Andantino, doucement expressif
04. Quatuor à cordes en sol mineur, Op. 10, L. 85: IV. Très modéré - Très mouvementé
05. Enluminures: Dle Yaman
06. Enluminures: Eri Eri Jan
07. Enluminures: Al Aylughs
08. Enluminures: Grounk
09. Enluminures: Gakavik
10. Enluminures: Yel, Yel

Debussy’s string quartet op. 10 was considered perturbing at the time on the Parisian music scene and has since become an absolute staple of quartet repertoire. It sweeps us along the most unexpected harmonic pathways and takes inspiration from sound-worlds as diverse as jazz, gamelan ensembles and Spanish folk music. Rich in colour and exotic tonalities, this poetic masterpiece frees itself from traditional Western customs and stands as a unique bridge between different cultures. It was the famous Belgian violinist Eugène Ysaye’s string quartet who commissioned the work. They later defended it from the many accusations of “too modern”. With Opus 10’s ties to Belgium, France and Armenia, The Akhtamar quartet immediately related to it and placed the piece at the heart of their repertoire. The Akhtamar quartet chose its name in reference to both the ancient Armenian myth and the Komitas Miniatures arranged by Aslamazyan, which they have played with passion since their formation.

In all areas of art, ancient works are visited by contemporary artists and adapted or transformed to speak to today’s world. Judith Adler de Oliviera has taken secular, Armenian themes and expressed them through music in a variety of ways. At times, she “narrates” these themes in a direct manner and at others, we have a faint sense of the original material as her innovative approach draws us away from tradition. As some of the same themes figure in the Miniatures by Komitas/Aslmazyan, a pathway is created between Oliviera’s work and the music which lies at the heart of Akhtamar’s repertoire.

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