The Solem Quartet, known for their exploratory spirit, presents "Painted Light," an inventive and vividly colored album set for release on October 27, 2023, via Delphian Records. Spanning just under an hour, this 15-track collection is a testament to the quartet's versatility and deep connection with the music they perform.
The album features a mix of contemporary and classic works, including the world premiere of Edmund Finnis' "Devotions" (String Quartet No. 3), a piece commissioned by the Solem Quartet themselves. This eight-movement work is a significant addition to the string quartet repertoire, showcasing the ensemble's technical prowess and interpretive depth. Alongside Finnis' composition, the album includes arrangements of Lili Boulanger's evocative "Nocturne" and Joni Mitchell's iconic "Both Sides Now," both masterfully adapted for string quartet by William Newell.
"Painted Light" also shines a spotlight on the works of Henriëtte Bosmans, with the quartet's rendition of her String Quartet highlighting their ability to breathe new life into lesser-known compositions. The album was recorded at the start of the year, capturing the Solem Quartet's intimate and expressive performances in stunning detail.
With "Painted Light," the Solem Quartet invites listeners to experience a rich tapestry of sound, where color and light are as much a part of the music as the notes themselves. This album is a celebration of the string quartet's enduring appeal and the Solem Quartet's unique artistic vision.
