Feminine Fusion

S07 Ep12: Four by Four

by Diane Jones

November 19, 2022

The Lark Quartet

“The most perfect expression of human behavior is a string quartet.”  – Jeffrey Tate

The relationship between the musicians of a quartet is much like a marriage, with a tremendous amount of give and take, communication, and dedication necessary for a strong performance.  With so much available in the string quartet repertoire, ensembles are creating new and innovative ways to keep the quartet literature vibrant.  The women featured today come from many backgrounds, but all of them bring outstanding performances to these recordings.

Four by Four

Felix Mendelssohn:  Scherzo, from String Quartet, Op. 44, No. 2
Cecilia String Quartet
“Mendelssohn Op. 44, Nos. 1, 2”
Analekta 2 9844

Margaret Brouwer:  Crosswinds
Cassatt Quartet
“Margaret Brouwer: Crosswinds”
CRI 821

Caroline Shaw:  Blueprint
Aizuri Quartet
“Blueprinting”
Independent

Aaron Jay Kernis:  Musica Celestis (excerpts)
Lark Quartet
“Symphony in Waves; Musica Celestis”
Argo 436287

TOKSO:  Rand
TOKSO Folk String Quartet
“Tokso Folk String Quartet”
Independent

Run time:  58:30

Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music. Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform, and inspire. Produced in the studios at WCNY-FM.