Composer: Alfred Francis Hill
Performer: Dominion String Quartet
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Naxos
Catalogue: 8572097
Release: 2008
Size: 320 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
String Quartet No. 4 in C minor
01. I. Allegro
02. II. Adagio ma no troppo
03. III. Scherzo
04. IV. Finale – Rondo
String Quartet No. 6 in G major, ‘The Kids’
05. I. Allegro
06. II. Scherzo: Trio
07. III. Adagio ma non troppo
08. IV. Finale: Allegretto
String Quartet No. 8 in A major
09. I. Allegro deciso – Andante
10. II. Intermezzo
11. III. Andante
12. IV. Finale: Allegro
While Hill’s first three string quartets were reminiscent of Dvorák and Tchaikovsky, these three demonstrate new directions.
With the slow movement of Quartet No. 4 hinting at influences of Elgar, and Quartet No. 6 conceived in a kind of retro-classical idiom, Quartet No. 8 clearly marks the beginning of a new sound world, with hints of the musical language of the impressionists and a rather English sounding Finale.
Hill’s trademark slow movement gems remain a feature in all three quartets with the outer movements offering memorable melodies and much finesse in his string quartet writing.