AUSTRALIAN STRING QUARTET

Korngold is today best known as one of Hollywood’s most famous composers, however he also applied his lush romantic style to music for the concert stage. His second string quartet harks back to his home city of Vienna, with little glimpses of the waltzes of Johann Strauss II and the passionate lyricism of Richard Strauss.

Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel lived in the shadow of her brother, Felix Mendelssohn, but was an accomplished composer in her own right and one not afraid to push musical norms. Her String Quartet in E flat major moves from opening sombre tones to a romantic and dreamlike central movement, before ending with an energetic and playful romp.

There’s more passion and drama from the off, with Justin Williams’ brief work including wild and dramatic passages alongside music that is pensive and tranquil.

Preview Erich Korngold’s String Quartet No.2 below: