Peter Ruzicka's "String Quartets" is a captivating exploration of contemporary classical music, released under the prestigious ECM New Series label in 1999. This album showcases four string quartets, each offering a unique journey through Ruzicka's distinctive compositional style. The Arditti Quartet, renowned for their mastery of contemporary repertoire, brings these intricate pieces to life with their unparalleled skill and precision.
The album opens with "über ein Verschwinden" (String Quartet No. 3), a piece that immediately draws the audience into Ruzicka's world of complex harmonies and evocative melodies. The "5 Epigrams" (String Quartet No. 2) follow, each movement offering a different mood and tempo, from the calm and static to the agitated and dynamic. "Introspezione – Documentation" (String Quartet No. 1) provides a reflective interlude, while "...sich verlierend for String Quartet and Spoken Word" (String Quartet No. 4) adds a unique dimension with the inclusion of spoken word elements, performed by the esteemed Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau.
Ruzicka, an important figure in contemporary German composition, demonstrates his versatility and depth in this collection. His music, initially influenced by figures like Stockhausen and Henze, has evolved into a style that is distinctly his own. The Arditti Quartet's performance, coupled with Fischer-Dieskau's contributions, makes this album a compelling addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. With a total duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, "String Quartets" is a substantial and rewarding listen, offering a rich tapestry of sound and emotion.
