The Indianapolis Quartet - Robert Paterson: String Quartets Nos. 1-3 (2022) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

This album consists of world premiere recordings of Robert Paterson’s three string quartets: String Quartet No. 1, String Quartet No. 2, and String Quartet No. 3. These three quartets span a period of over twenty years, with the first quartet having been composed in 2000, and the second and third composed in 2019, and 2020, respectively. This begs the question: what took so long for Paterson to compose another string quartet? Why wait almost twenty years, and why did he compose his second and third quartets so close together?

In Paterson’s words, “I think I waited so long because I was looking for just the right quartets to commission and premiere these works. I really like working as closely as possible with chamber ensembles (or any ensembles, for that matter) when I compose new works, so it’s important for me to really get to know the ensembles I am working with. I like to hang out with the group members and really get to know who they are and what they are all about, because that makes the pieces more personal, and ultimately, much more interesting. I like creating stories behind the pieces I compose.”

Paterson originally composed his String Quartet No. 2 for the Euclid Quartet, which is coincidentally, also based in Indiana. Right on the heels of that quartet, The Indianapolis Quartet commissioned Paterson to compose his String Quartet No. 3.

“I wouldn’t normally compose two pieces for the exact same ensemble back-to-back,” Paterson said, “but in this case, these quartets are so amazing that I just couldn’t turn down the opportunity to work with The Indianapolis Quartet, even if they wanted their piece right after I had completed my second quartet.”

All three highly colorful works have various similarities: they all use copious extended techniques, but not for the sake of the techniques themselves, but as an integral part of the music itself. He also uses quotes in all three movements: the notorious “Love Boat” theme in Quartet No 1, quotes from music by Edvard Grieg in String Quartet No. 2, and snippets of various anthems in the last movement of String Quartet No. 3. All three quartets are in multiple movements, and they are all imbued with Paterson’s characteristic whit, technical prowess, and vibrant personality.

The album was recorded by The Indianapolis Quartet at Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, at the University of Indianapolis, and was produced by Adam Abeshouse.

“[Review of world premiere at Carnegie Hall]: This music’s complex meters and aggressive stance—not to mention the entire quartet’s five-movement form—put one in mind of Bartók… a tour de force of tight ensemble and interplay… it’s clear that Paterson has added a lively and imaginative new piece to the string quartet repertoire.”

Tracklist:
1. String Quartet No. 1 - I. Fast and Sprightly (03:54)
2. String Quartet No. 1 - II. Logy (05:09)
3. String Quartet No. 1 - III. Sad, Luscious Adagio (06:58)
4. String Quartet No. 1 - IV. Energetic Polka (05:53)
5. String Quartet No. 2 - I. Colored Fields (06:22)
6. String Quartet No. 2 - II. Rigor Mortis (06:46)
7. String Quartet No. 2 - III. Dolente (08:07)
8. String Quartet No. 2 - IV. Scherzando (04:44)
9. String Quartet No. 2 - V. Collage (05:00)
10. String Quartet No. 3 - I. Twist and Shout (04:16)
11. String Quartet No. 3 - II. Poet Voice (04:30)
12. String Quartet No. 3 - III. Auction Chant (06:00)
13. String Quartet No. 3 - IV. Effects Pedal (04:18)
14. String Quartet No. 3 - V. Anthem (04:39)


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