Edmund Rubbra - Rubbra: String Quartets Nos. 1, 3 & 4 (LP)

Dive into the intricate world of Edmund Rubbra's chamber music with this captivating collection of string quartets. Released in 2011 on the prestigious Naxos label, this album presents a trio of Rubbra's most compelling works for string quartet, performed exquisitely by the Maggini Quartet. Spanning a duration of 54 minutes, the album features three complete quartets, each offering a unique blend of Rubbra's distinctive compositional voice.

The album opens with String Quartet No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 35, a work that showcases Rubbra's early mastery of the form. The quartet's revised 1946 version of the third movement, "Vivace," is a particular highlight, demonstrating the composer's evolution and refinement over time. Following this, String Quartet No. 3, Op. 112, offers a more introspective journey, with its haunting "Largo ma molto flessibile" and the delicate "Allegro leggiero." The album concludes with String Quartet No. 4, Op. 150, a work that balances the intimate and the expansive, culminating in a deeply expressive "Adagio e con molta espressione."

Rubbra's string quartets are known for their beautiful craftsmanship and subtle, often introspective, character. The Maggini Quartet's performance brings out the finest nuances of these works, making this album an essential addition to any chamber music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Rubbra's music or a newcomer to his compositions, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.