Recorded by the Piatti Quartet
CD released 1 November 2024
“I have several favorite string quartets whose recordings I extol all the time, but the Piatti Quartet is surely one of the very best – ever. Their playing of these string quartets is beyond awesome; it is simply out of this world”. (David Rowe, Classical Review, January 2025)
“Already creatively surefooted – and steeped in strings since a young cellist – Phibbs has only grown in stature over the past decade. And the same is true of the prize-winning Piatti, for whom Phibbs has become their most-performed contemporary composer. The rich, mutual understanding they share readily communicates to the listener.” ***** (Steph Power, BBC Music Magazine, January 2025)
“The four members of the Piatti Quartet, who have worked with Phibbs over many years, are kindred spirits, and their playing reflects this. The composer seems, in these works, to be on a quest for a sancta sanctorum. Agreeably closely recorded, the music is never overly complex, nor is it discordantly avant-garde. If you like the music of Valentin Silvestrov, Arvo Pärt or Marjan Mozetich, be reassured: you are on a related pilgrimage with these works.” (Rob Barnett, Music Web International, October 2024)
“Excellent music, superbly played and produced” (Guy Rickards, Gramophone, November 2024)
“Listening carefully to these performances, registering time and again, one realises not only just how powerful the music is, but also the superb nature of the performances. All four instrumentalists: Michael Trainor, Emily Holland, violins, Miguel Sabrinho, viola, Jessie Ann Richardson, cello – is expert in their own right, but they combine to make a whole greater than the sum of their four parts” (Colin Clarke, Classical Explorer, 8 Nov 2024)
“Is it Recommended? Very much so….” (Richard Whitehouse, Arcana, 28 Nov 2024)