Michael Finnissy is one of the acknowledged geniuses in the field of new music, with a style which can be exceptionally adventurous (and difficult) but almost always retains a tonal core which reveals his myriad influences and inspirations often from folk music and classic literature. Of the current recordings in our catalog, those featuring works for string quartet, with or without other instruments, have been the most regularly popular. Here we welcome back the Kreutzer Quartet, one of London's premiere ensembles, together with leading clarinetist (and Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music), Linda Merrick. This is the 13th in the MÃ©tier Finnissy series, celebrating the work of one of today's leaders in the new-music world. The album contains the Clarinetten-Liederkreis ('Clarinet Song Cycle) which features Merrick; the other works are all for string quartet. Included is Finnissy's 'continuation' (not 'completion!) of Bach's unfinished final part of The Art of Fugue. A spellbinding and astonishingly perfect piece of four part counterpoint which extends and stretches Bach's structures.

Tracklist:

Civilisation: I. -
Civilisation: II. -
Civilisation: III. -
Civilisation: IV. -
Civilisation: V. Largo Tranquillo
Civilisation: VI. Vivace Assai
Contrapunctus XIX
Clarinetten-Liederkreis: I. Poco Allegretto
Clarinetten-Liederkreis: II. Largo Appassionato
Clarinetten-Liederkreis: III. Folklorico. Quasia Parlando
Clarinetten-Liederkreis: IV. Vigoroso
Clarinetten-Liederkreis: V. A Capriccio
Mad Men In The Sand
Six Sexy Minuets Three Trios: I. Piuttosto Sostenuto
Six Sexy Minuets Three Trios: II. Grazioso E Con Dignita
Six Sexy Minuets Three Trios: III. -
Six Sexy Minuets Three Trios: IV. Allegretto Capriccioso
Six Sexy Minuets Three Trios: V. Quasi Allegretto, Un Poco Minaccioso
Six Sexy Minuets Three Trios: VI. -
Six Sexy Minuets Three Trios: VII. Affettato
Six Sexy Minuets Three Trios: VIII. Adagio - Allegretto
Six Sexy Minuets Three Trios: IX. Andante Malinconico

UPC: 809730858123
Label: Metier
Release Date: 10.19.18
Format: CD

Finnissy / Merrick / Kreutzer Quartet - Six Sexy Minuets Three Trios & Other Works (CD)