Navona Records releases Andrew Anderson's new album, Piano Quartets 1 & 2, performed by the Australia Piano Quartet. For classical piano lovers, this album has much to discover and enjoy. It's also a wonderfully introduction to the multi layered work of the composer.

The first quartet is reminiscent of the virtuoso chamber works of Dussek and Hummel, with a dash of Dvořák for good measure. And yet, its sound is decidedly modern.

The second quartet starts out with harmonic undertones of Sacchini's quartets and the sort of melancholia of Schubert's 'Daß sie hier gewesen', but the mood soon makes a departure for the 21st Century, greeting the voices of Franck, Shostakovich, and Prokofiev on the way.

But it's much more than a collection reminiscent of past masters work. This is a beautiful album in both construction and presentation.

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Darren Rea