Andrés ISASI (1890-1940)
String Quartets Nos. 1 and 5

Isasi Quartet

This is the third and final volume of the world première recordings of the string quartets of the important but long-neglected Basque composer Andrés Isasi. Although he was initially influenced by Grieg and Dvořák, Isasi studied under Humperdinck in Berlin, where he acquired a love of Germanic culture, reflected in both the Quartets heard on this recording. Much of the thematic material of the Violin Sonata has tangible links to Basque melodies and songs though there is also an element of Richard Strauss. The remaining quartets can be heard on Naxos 8.572463 and 8.572464, while Isasi’s Symphony No. 2 and Suite No. 2 are available on 8.557584. The world première recordings of the remaining quartets can be heard on Naxos 8.572463 and 8.572464, while Isasi’s Symphony No. 2 and Suite No. 2 are available on 8.557584.

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About
The Artists

Isasi Quartet Soloists

Isasi Quartet

The Isasi Quartet blends the complexity and depth of German musical culture with the lyricism and sensuality of Southern Europe—a pairing also found in the string quartets of Andrés Isasi. The four musicians seek to imbue their interpretations with an intensely emotional, spiritual quality, in music ranging from German and Austrian composers of the Romantic and post-Romantic eras, to French and Russian composers of the nineteenth century and contemporary music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The Isasi Quartet makes regular appearances in festivals and recital series in Germany, Austria, France and Spain, and they work closely with living composers. The ensemble has already made several recordings for broadcast in Germany (BR), Austria (ORF) and Spain (RNE, Solidaria TV, CRTVG, Localia).

Anna Bohigas (left) Marta Zabaleta (right)

Anna Bohigas studied violin at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSM). Upon graduation, she continued her violin studies with Maya Glezarova and Boris Garlitsky. She has been a member of the Lyon National Opera Orchestra under music directors John Eliot Gardiner and Kent Nagano, and concertmaster of the contemporary music ensemble FORUM (Lyon). Anna Bohigas is currently Professor of Violin at Bordeaux National Music.

The Spanish pianist Marta Zabaleta studied with Dominique Merlet, Dimitri Bashkirov and Alicia de Larrocha. She is a laureate of international piano competitions such as Santander, Jaén, Zaragoza and Darmstadt, and has performed under the baton of Sir Colin Davis, Daniele Gatti, and Harry Christophers, among others. She has been awarded the Isaac Albéniz medal.

Other
Recommended Releases

Listen to an excerpt from String Quartet No. 0 in E minor:
III. Berceuse

8.572463, Vol. 1
“This is an excellent début for an innovative, promising set of complete works.”
– Ritmo ★★★★, ‘10 Best Discs’, March 2013

“These four musicians display vigorous élan combined with alert emotional sensitivity.”
– Das Orchester

Listen to an excerpt from String Quartet No. 4 in D major:
IV. Rondo

8.572464, Vol. 2
“ A significant release – a new landmark we owe to the Isasi Quartet – in an emotionally intense, melancholy mood.”
– Scherzo

“The playing is spectacular…”
– American Record Guide

“…listen to a very fine and rich late romantic music played with much passion by the excellent Isasi Quartet.”
– Pizzicato ★★★★

Andrés ISASI (1890-1940) String Quartets Nos. 1 and 5

Andrés ISASI (1890-1940)
String Quartets Nos. 1 and 5