Balanescu Quartet Plays the Music of David Byrne, Robert Moran, John Lurie & Michael Torke (1992)

The Balanescu Quartet is a Romanian avant-garde string quartet founded in 1987 by Alexander Bălănescu that achieved fame through the release of several complex cover versions of songs by German experimental electronic music band, Kraftwerk. The quartet is mainly notable for its very distinctive style of music, which encompasses odd time rhythms, sound dissonances and complex arrangements. The group has performed multiple works with a variety of other artists, including David Byrne, Gavin Bryars, Michael Nyman, Rabih Abou-Khalil, Kevin Volans, Hector Zazou, and Spiritualized.

Tracklist

David Byrne: High Life for Nine Instruments

Robert Moran: Music from the Towers of Moon

I
II
III
IV

John Lurie: Stranger Than Paradise

I Bella By Barlight
II Improvisation 1
III the Good And Happy Army
IV the Sad Trees/ the Lampposts Are Mine
V Eva And Willie's Room/Eva Packing
VI Improvisation 2

Michael Torke: Chalk


Alexander Balanescu, violin
Clare Connors, violin
Bill Hawkes, viola
Caroline Dale, cello

Argo 436 565-2