Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) wrote his G minor String Quartet in 1908 after a period of study with Maurice Ravel in Paris.
Terry Barfoot has written about the Quartet: "... [the] 1908 provenance remains significant, not least because that was the year that Vaughan Williams spent several months living in Paris, studying with no less a figure than Maurice Ravel (who was three years his junior). This experience was essential to VW's development as a composer; is it any coincidence that the achievement of his true genius followed almost immediately? For instance, the Tallis Fantasia and the Sea Symphony were composed within about eighteen months of this period in Paris.
"In this context the Quartet No. 1 takes on a special interest, and the Ravel influence, which Vaughan Williams described as his 'French fever', is palpable. At just under thirty minutes, this is a substantial work in four movements, with subtle developments and occasional traces of folksong. The rhythmic vitality can also be compelling, particularly in the finale, marked Rondo Capriccioso. "
This 1973 recording was one of series of recordings of British music by the Music Group of London for EMI. A later recording, featured here, is Peter Warlock's The Curlew with Ian Partridge.
Cartridge: Miyajima Shilabe MC
Phono amp: Graham Slee Accession MC
Turntable: CTC Classic 301 with SME M2-12R
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