LISTENER'S DIGEST
Kerry Leimer | Makawao, Hawaii United States | 12/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Exuberant, bright and energetic, these two string quartets performed by Apartment House ( a traditional line-up of 2 violins, viola and cello) manage to cover a few centuries' worth of style while never departing from a very contemporary aesthetic that finds unique inflections from Native American and Japanese cultures. Garland's first, String Quartet No. 1, "In Praise of Poor Scholars", seems to reference a number of styles and periods, but does so in a somewhat superficial way, acknowledging diverse compositional techniques without resorting to either emulation or pastiche. Like the music, the titles' inferences are playful and poetic. Movements are given engaging, conversational and descriptive names: "Like an elegant slow dance..." and "Like a simple Indian dance-elegant and eloquent". So like, but at the same time unlike. The 6 movements of String Quartet No.1 display theme and variation - the opening movement "Rondeau `nouveau'" displays a deft and rapid progression that shifts from a opening simple phrase through multiple variations to a sort of phase music peak all in a matter of just a few minutes - as well as a more intuitive slip and slide contrasts in rhythm, timbre and touch. The 5 movements of String Quartet No. 2, "Crazy Cloud" are as immaculately detailed as the No.1 and demonstrate a somewhat broader emotional range, momentarily setting aside the ever present vigor and shine for a somewhat minor-key movement that is reflective, slower, even a bit mournful. Garland provides listeners with access to two remarkably intelligent and highly approachable 20th century works."
Music from the heart
Jeff Abell | Chicago, IL USA | 01/18/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Peter Garland has distinguished himself by writing music of marked, deceptive simplicity that is capable of conveying a heartfelt sense of emotion without ever resorting to the cloying strategies of Romanticism. Garland's music never sounds like anybody else, and I don't think I've ever heard a piece by him that I didn't like. I've performed many of the solo piano works, and love them, but these works for string quartet are also beautifully structured and played here with commitment. I personally find the recorded ambience a bit close and strident - not the playing, mind you, but the volume level of the recording seems more apt for a rock band than a string quartet. Other people might like the high "presence" in this recording: I find it most enjoyable if I listen to it from an adjacent room."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1