Although Arvo Pärt did not specifically compose ‘string quartets’, Psalom, Summa and Fratres are particularly loved by a wide audience. Fratres, which was originally composed for string orchestra, can even be called a true ‘hit’.
String Quartet no. 2 by Latvian composer Martins Vilums features numerous tonal experiments, but notable are the prescribed drum and tam-tam, to be played by the quartet members.
String quartet ‘Aragonite’ by Santa Ratniece was inspired by a visit to caves in Slovakia, where shimmering red Aragonite crystals can be seen in the dark underground passages.
To conclude, we are returning to Estonia and this time to composer Erkki-Sven Tüür and his String Quartet no. 2 from 2012 titled ‘Lost Prayers’. The ‘lost prayers’ are supplications more than religious prayers.
- Arvo Pärt (*1935) – Fratres (1977, r. 1985)
Chilingirian Quartet
CD: Warner Classics
- Arvo Pärt Pärt (*1935) – Psalom (1993)
Kronos Quartet
CD: Nonesuch
- Arvo Pärt Arvo Pärt (*1935) – Summa (1990)
Chilingirian Quartet
CD: Warner Classics
- Martins Vilums (*1974) – String quartet no. 2 (2000)
Latvian Philharmonic String Quartet
CD: SKANI
- Santa Ratniece (*1977) – String quartet ‘Aragonite’ (2005)
Latvian Philharmonic String Quartet
CD: SKANI
6. Erkki-Sven Tüür (1959) ) – String quartet no. 2 ‘Lost Prayers’ (2012)
Signum Quartet
CD: ECM
