With Quadrants, Navona Records presents six of today’s best modern string quartets that meld the old with the new, combining traditional forms with contemporary influences to present expressive, emotional works that both make and break the mould. Quadrants: Vol 2 seeks to bring the emotive works of six contemporary composers together, with each work communicating both deeply personal and universal messages...

Boston group, the Pedroia String Quartet, expertly tackles these 11 diverse tracks (1 hr, 13 min, 10 sec).

It's weird how a great piece of music can stick with you, especially when you didn't actually recall it being overly memorable at the time. 'String Quartet No. 1 - I. Alma Redemptoris' is one of three pieces that previously appeared on this year's (2018) Ferdinando De Sena album Secrets for Free and Other Works. But as soon as I heard it I remembered it with fondness - which surprised me.

The album is an interesting jumping off point for classical music lovers to discover some composers who's work they may have overlooked. It's an interesting collection which will broaden your horizons.

Track listing:

PAUL OSTERFIELD
01 - KHAMSIN (11:28)

DAVID T. BRIDGES
02 - THIS FRAGMENTED OLD MAN (4:58)

FERDINANDO DE SENA
STRING QUARTET NO. 1
03 - I. ALMA REDEMPTORIS MATER (6:01)
04 - II. SALVE REGINA (2:36)
05 - III. AVE REGINA CAELORUM (3:19)

L PETER DEUTSCH DEPARTURE
06 - I. ANTICIPATION (5:59)
07 - II. PREPARATION (3:49)
08 - III. LEAVE-TAKING (5:37)
09 - IV. SETTING SAIL (5:19)

KATHERINE PRICE
10 - HYMNODY (7:34)

MARVIN LAMB
11 - LAMENTATIONS (16:35)

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Darren Rea