Charles Villiers Stanford - Stanford: String Quartets, Vol. 3 (LP)

Immerse yourself in the rich, intricate world of Charles Villiers Stanford's String Quartets with the release of "Stanford: String Quartets, Vol. 3" by the Dante Quartet. This album, released on January 17, 2020, under the SOMM Recordings label, is the culmination of a historic survey of Stanford's complete string quartets, offering a profound exploration of the composer's early and late works.

The album features three of Stanford's most celebrated string quartets: the first and second quartets, composed during a family holiday, and the sixth quartet, a testament to his mature style. The Dante Quartet delivers a captivating performance, bringing out the nuances and depth of Stanford's compositions. Each movement, from the lively "Allegro assai" of the first quartet to the introspective "Andante espressivo" of the second, showcases Stanford's mastery of the string quartet form.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album is a substantial journey through Stanford's musical evolution. The Dante Quartet's interpretation has been met with critical acclaim, including a rave review in the March 2020 issue of Gramophone. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Stanford's work, this album offers a rewarding listening experience that highlights the beauty and complexity of his string quartets.