Antarja Quartet - Krzanowski (2023) [Hi-Res]

This new CD features works for string quartet by contemporary Polish composers, Andrzej (1951-1990) and Grazyna (b. 1952) Krzanowski. Andrzej Krzanowski's String Quartet No. 3 (1988), crowns the already mature output of the prematurely deceased artist. Dedicated to Witold Lutoslawski, the work contains numerous self-quotes and draws from a wide range of expressive musical means. In turn, Grazyna Krzanowska's two quartets andtheAdagiettofor string quartet, are seemingly radically different from each other, yet imbued with a similar emotional atmosphere. The narrative of String Quartet No. 2, is defined by a programme expressing the quest and the hesitation between seriousness and fun. String Quartet No. 3 is also based on contrasts, as it oscillates between a choral cantilena and a "savage," exuberant dance. The Adagiettoalso contains numerous motifs, which is reflected in the musical layer of the piece;it is very heterogeneous, using various stylistic means. The Krzanowski couple's compositions are performed here by the Antarja Quartet, an ensemble whose repertoire includes many contemporary Polish pieces. It consists of Barbara Mglej (violin), Maria Nowak (violin) and Elzbieta Mudlaff (violin - until 2020), Magdalena Cmielowiec-Koziol (viola) and Martyna Soltys (cello).